Orlando Pirates advance in Nedbank Cup after dramatic penalty shootout

Both teams showcased attacking intent, resilience, and nerve in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The game burst into life early, with SuperSport United testing Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine inside the first minute. Gamphani Lungu's sharp strike from the center of the box was smothered, setting the tone for an open contest. SuperSport continued to press, but Lebohang Maboe and Nyiko Mobbie saw efforts blocked as Pirates' defence held firm.

Orlando Pirates gradually found their rhythm, and in the 29th minute, they broke the deadlock. Mbekezeli Mbokazi rose to meet a corner and rifled a left-footed shot into the top right corner, giving the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead. SuperSport responded swiftly, equalizing in the 43rd minute through Terrence Dzvukamanja, who tapped in from close range after a clever assist from goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, catching Pirates off guard.

However, Pirates regained the lead just before the break. Evidence Makgopa pounced on a loose ball in the box, slotting home in the first minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1.

At halftime, Pirates held a slight edge, boasting 53% possession and seven goal attempts to SuperSport's four.

SuperSport emerged revitalized after the interval, with substitutes Bradley Grobler and Neo Rapoo injecting fresh energy. Despite Pirates' Mohau Nkota seeing a shot blocked, SuperSport's persistence paid off in the 90+2nd minute. Gape Moralo latched onto a pinpoint pass from Maboe, firing a low drive into the bottom right corner to level the score at 2-2.

The late drama sent the match into extra time, with both sides finishing regulation time evenly matchedâ”SuperSport with 13 attempts and 47% possession, Pirates with eight attempts and 53%.

Extra time saw both teams trade blows but fail to find a winner. SuperSport's Bradley Grobler forced a fine save from Chaine, while Pirates' Deon Hotto tested Goss with a pair of efforts.

Despite late pressure from substitutes like Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Patrick Maswanganyi, the scoreline remained locked at 2-2, paving the way for a penalty shootout.

The shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions. SuperSport's Lebohang Maboe and Bradley Grobler scored, matched by Pirates' Deon Hotto and Tapelo Xoki. Vincent Pule's miss handed Pirates the advantage, and though SuperSport's Nyiko Mobbie and Oratilwe Moloisane kept them alive, Christian Saile's saved effort proved decisive.

Goodman Mosele stepped up for Pirates, blasting his penalty into the top right corner to seal a 5-4 victory.

Orlando Pirates advance to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, their composure under pressure proving the difference in a match neither side deserved to lose. SuperSport United, despite their valiant effort, bow out with heads held high after a performance full of heart and hustle.

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