Relebohile Mofokeng netted the decisive goal in extra time, leading Orlando Pirates to victory in the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
This is a second trophy of the season for the Buccaneers under Abdeslam Ouaddou, following their MTN8 triumph back in September.
Ouaddou made three changes to the starting lineup from the previous match, with Lebone Seema, Makhehlene Makhaula, and Oswin Appollis replacing Nkosinathi Sibisi, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Tshepang Moremi.
On the other hand, Gallants also made three, recalling Washington Arubi, Mpho Chabatsane, and Christopher Sithole in place of Kagisho Mlambo, Lebohang Mabotja, and Daniel Msendami.
Gallants were nearly caught off guard as early as the second minute when Washington Arubi mishandled the ball, gifting possession to the opposition.
But Marvin Sikhosana came to the rescue, clearing the ball off the line just in time to deny Evidence Makgopa an early goal.
Following that moment, clear goal-scoring opportunities were few and far between as both teams were trying to find their rhythm and settle into the match.
As the match progressed, Pirates, who were controlling possession as anticipated, were posing a threat to Arubi’s goal every time they crossed the halfway line.
Early in the second half, both teams traded a few jabs in midfield, trying to build momentum as they sought to unlock the deadlock.
It was Pirates who kept on coming, creating several chances, but for a moment, Gallants were able to sweep away whatever came their way.
Gallants, on the other hand, found themselves somewhat pinned back, making a few forward moves but failing to pose any real danger in the final third.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the match proceeded to extra time with both sides failing to score.
Just before the first half of extra time came to an end, Mofokeng found the back of the net, putting Ezimnyama Ngenkani in the lead.
With Gallants failing to mount any comeback, the Sea Robbers went on to lift the trophy, their second league cup in history. Their first came in 2011, when they defeated the now-defunct Bidvest Wits at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
