Orlando Pirates vs Supersport United
By Lerato Mpembe
Orlando Pirates began their MTN8 title defence with a thrilling 3-1 victory over SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening. The quarterfinal clash, tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, saw the Buccaneers emerge victorious with extra time goals from Monnapule Saleng and Evidence Makgopa.
First Half: Pirates’ Dominance
The match commenced with SuperSport United looking dangerous in the first 15 minutes. However, Pirates soon found their stride, applying significant pressure on SuperSport’s defence. At 17 minutes, Patrick Maswanganyi initiated a brilliant passing sequence that cut through United’s midfield, culminating in Relebohile Mofokeng’s shot that narrowly missed the target.
Midway through the first half, Tshegofatso Mabasa had a clear sight of goal, forcing a sharp save from SuperSport’s Ricardo Goss. The goalkeeper was again called into action at the half-hour mark, tipping Maswanganyi’s deflected shot around the post.
Pirates’ persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Monnapule Saleng’s low cross from the right was expertly flicked into the net by Olisa Ndah, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half: SuperSport’s Response
SuperSport United equalised just four minutes into the second half, with Bradley Grobler’s intelligent header setting up Vincent Pule, who nodded home from close range to make it 1-1. Pirates pushed hard to reclaim the lead, but Goss denied them twice around the hour mark with two brilliant saves.
Despite their efforts, Pirates could not find the net again in regulation time, leading to an additional 30 minutes.
Extra Time: Buccaneers’ Brilliance
Pirates wasted no time in extra time, taking the lead just two minutes in. A well-executed set piece saw Kabelo Dlamini assist Saleng, who scored from close range to make it 2-1. SuperSport had a golden opportunity to equalise immediately, but Thabang Mahlangu couldn’t capitalise.
In the 105th minute, Nyiko Mobbie’s effort was superbly saved by Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. The Buccaneers extended their lead early in the second half of extra time when substitute Evidence Makgopa slotted a loose ball into an empty net after Goss had come off his line.
Manager’s Reaction and Conclusion
SuperSport manager Gavin Hunt was furious, believing Saleng’s goal to be offside, resulting in a red card for his protests. This summed up a frustrating night for the visitors from Tshwane.
Orlando Pirates’ emphatic 3-1 win sees them progress in the MTN8 competition, while SuperSport United will need to regroup ahead of their next fixture. The MTN8 action continues on Sunday, 4 August, with Stellenbosch FC taking on TS Galaxy at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Match Summary
Orlando Pirates (1) (1) 3 (Ndah 44’, Saleng 92’, Makgopa 107’)
SuperSport United (0) (1) 1 (Pule 49’)
After Extra Time
Pirates:
Chaine, Monyane (Sibisi 98’), Sesane, Ndah, Hotto, Makhaula (Dlamini 72’), Mbatha (Baloni 114’), Mofokeng (Kimvuidi 91’), Maswanganyi, Saleng (Maela 114’), Mabasa (Makgopa 85’)
SuperSport:
Goss, Mobbie, Ayer (Moralo 63’), Hlatshwayo, Sanoka, Poggenpoel (Muthewi 107’), Rapoo (Baliti 75’), Margeman (Baloyi 75’), Pule, Dzvukamanja (Matsio 76’), Grobler (Mahlangu 59’)
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