Orlando Pirates secured their place 2025 MTN8 final after a win in the penalty shootout after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline over two legs.
Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made the bold decision to bring Patrick Maswangayi back into the XI after resting him during their 1-0 win over Stellenbosch.
He’s come under scrutiny from sections of suooorters and his performance eventually led to him being hauled off for Bandile Shandu in the opening half. Which to be fair was an entertaining one for the neutrals.
Sundowns, more experienced, organised out of possession, managed to control the spaces and they had the lead at the break via Iqraam Rayners 17th minute opener to make it 2-1 on aggregate in the tie.
It was a defensive mix-up and despite Lebone Seema clattering the Bafana Bafana striker, he beat Sipho Chaine for the opener.
The second half was an end to end affair as Pirates looked to chase the game but Sundowns stemmed the tide and limited the clear chances being created.
But one passage of clear quality unlocked the defence of saw in-form winger Kamogelo Sebelebele equalise, as he did in the first leg in Orlando to send the game to penalties at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
Sipho Chaine turned into the hero after saving penalties from Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende, while Deon Hotto, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sipho Mbule and Tshegofatso Mabasa scored for Pirates to win 4-1 and book their place in the final.
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