Relebohile Mofokeng comes off the bench to win Nedbank Cup for Orlando Pirates

Relebohile Mofokeng comes off the bench to win Nedbank Cup for Orlando Pirates

Relebohile Mofokeng was the hero scoring a brilliant late winner to help Orlando Pirates lift the Nedbank Cup after a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Mbombela Stadium.

Mofokeng, still only 19-years-old and been touted as a future star, came off the bench to make the biggest impact of his young career with a calm and composed finish in the fourth minute of injury-time.

Themba Zwane had given Masandawana the lead in the 54th minute but Pirates leveled matters from penalty spot coutesy of Patrick Maswanganyi before the dramatic late scenes.

Sundowns started well and had a golden opportunity to go in front when they were awarded a penalty in the opening 10 minutes after Khuliso Mudau was fouled.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa stepped up but his effort from 12 yards was saved by Sipho Chaine, who kept the ball out with his leg.

The Buccaneers gradually grew into the contest and fashioned two good chances at goal that Ronwen Williams saved, first denying Maswanganyi and then Deon Hotto.

After a goalless first half, Sundowns took the lead 10 minutes after the interval, and it was a wonderful team goal.

After playing the ball out from the back, it eventually found its way to the right-wing where Ribeiro Costa skinned left-back Innocent Maela before teeing up Zwane to finish.

It seemed Sundowns were in control at that stage and on course to complete the league and cup double but the Soweto giants were right in the contest with only a goal behind.

They leveled the score with 20 minutes remaining when Maswanganyi was brought down by Aubrey Modiba and the winger picked himself up to beat Williams.

The match was destined for a period of extra-time but Mofokeng intervened, picking up a pass from Monnapule Saleng in the box, beating Bongani Zungu with a brilliant piece of skill before slotting past a shell-shocked Williams.

It was wild scenes in Mpumalanga as Pirates bench serenaded their new star and defended their Nedbank Cup trophy.

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