Orlando Pirates have booked a berth in the MTN8 final after they claimed a thumping 3-0 win (both on the day and on aggregate) over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.
This semifinal tie was delicately balanced following a 0-0 draw in Soweto in the first leg earlier this month, but it swung dramatically in the Buccaneers' favour early on in the second leg when Kermit Erasmus scored an away goal against his former team.
The Brazilians searched for a way back into the tie for the majority of the game, but were ultimately frustrated by a disciplined defensive performance from the team in black – and their hopes were finally killed off late in the game by a brace from rising star Monnapule Saleng.
Pirates got off to a strong start and claimed the lead as early as the eighth minute, with Saleng doing outstanding work down the right to get around Aubrey Modiba before crossing from the by-line for Erasmus to head home from close range.
The goal was not without controversy, however, as the ball appeared to cross the by-line in the course of Saleng’s run, but this was not picked up by either the referee or their assistant.
Sundowns looked for a quick response but Pirates held firm in defence and were able to produce dangerous moments in transition, though their best counter on 19 minutes saw Deon Hotto forced wide by Grant Kekana.
The Brazilians generally lacked a rhythm and accuracy to their passing, making it easy for the Buccaneers to get numbers behind the ball and frustrate their hosts. Downs were mostly restricted to long-range attempts from Teboho Mokoena on 28 minutes and Gaston Sirino shortly before halftime, though neither troubled Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The Pirates goalkeeper was finally called into action in injury time before the break, but he comfortably held onto Mokoena’s shot to ensure the game remained 1-0 in favour of the Soweto side at the interval.
Five minutes into the second half, Sundowns made a double change by bringing on Gift Motupa and Neo Maema, in an effort to spark more attacking thrust and creativity respectively. Motupa’s first major involvement arrived on 58 minutes, with a long-range shot which was easily dealt with by Mpontshane.
On the hour mark, Maema had a great chance to level the game after bursting into space in the penalty area, but his effort flashed wide of the target. Pirates also shored up their midfield at this time, with the double introduction of Goodman Mosele and Ben Motshwari.
At the midway point of the second half, Modiba let fly but sent a shot over the crossbar, as Sundowns continued to build pressure, but they were unable to truly stretch their opponent’s defence.
And the tie was killed off in the 83rd minute when Pirates doubled their lead on the counterattack, as Zakhele Lepasa did great work down the left flank to tee up Saleng, who saw his shot deflect off the legs of a defender and squirm into the back of the net for 2-0.
Downs almost scored a consolation late on when Motupa got on the end of a cross from the right and directed an effort toward goal, but the ball clipped off the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick. In addition, the Tshwane side had Modiba sent off late in the match for a needless second yellow card – encapsulating a day to forget for the Brazilians.
As for Bucs, they added a cherry on top three minutes into added time when Saleng claimed a second goal – beautifully curling a left-footed strike into the top corner – to make it 3-0.
Pirates will go on to face either AmaZulu or Kaizer Chiefs (who meet in the second leg of their semifinal on Sunday) in the MTN8 final on Saturday 5 November at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0
Orlando Pirates (1) 3 (Erasmus 8’, Saleng 83’ 90+3’)
Pirates won the tie 3-0 on aggregate.
Mamelodi Sundowns:Williams, Mudau, De Reuck, Kekana, Modiba, Mvala (Morena 66’), Mokoena, Mkhulise (Maema 50’), Zwane, Sirino (Motupa 50’), Allende
Orlando Pirates:Mpontshane, Monyane, Ndah, Sibia, Maela, Saleng, Makaringe (Mosele 60’), Timm, Hotto (Mako 73’), Ndlondlo (Motshwari 60’), Erasmus (Lepasa 73’)
Orlando Pirates heading to their 17th MTN 8 Final.
Pirates are heading to their first MTN8 final since 2020, when they defeated Bloemfontein Celtic in the final.
Orlando Pirates are heading to their eighth PSL-era MTN8 final along with 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2020.
This was the 13th MTN8 meeting between the sides including wins and losses on penalties. It was Pirates fifth win, and fourth in open play.
This was Pirates' biggest win over Sundowns in the MTN8.
Pirates scored three goals in an MTN8 game for the second time against Sundowns along with a 3-2 triumph in the first leg in 2011-12.
This was the 18th PSL-era cup meeting between the teams. It was Pirates' seventh win and they lead the head-to-head seven to six. They have now scored 22 goals to Sundowns' 21.
Since the 2008-09 season when a two-legged semifinal was introduced, Sundowns conceded three goals in any leg of the semifinal for the fifth time. They let in three in the first leg against Pirates in 2011-12 losing three 3-2. While in 2012-13, they conceded three in a 3-3 draw against Moroka Swallows in the first leg and then lost the second 3-2.
They also lost the second leg of their 2008-09 semifinal to SuperSport United away from home 3-2, but won the tie on away goals with the aggregate score tied at 4-4.