Orlando Pirates advanced to the final of the Nedbank Cup for the third season running, offering them another chance to defend the title as they defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Jose Riveiro is still 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 in the #NedbankCup 😲
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025
Pirates are through to another cup final 🏆⏭️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/8yJbYn0i1p
Pirates dominated the first half, having 66 per cent of ball possession throughout.
From the beginning, the home team asserted their dominance, with Deano van Rooyen going for goal within the first five minutes, but Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi was able to make the save.
The Buccaneers were in the driving seat and their breakthrough came in the 22nd minute as Van Rooyen’s through ball to Patrick Maswanganyi gave him the opportunity to drive in a low cross, which was superbly finished by Kabelo Dlamini.
What is it about Orlando Stadium and the #NedbankCup? 🤩
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025
Shades of Pirates' goal against Baroka in this team effort against Marumo 👇👇
📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/0fbRq800gd
Gallants weren’t really able to pose a real threat to the Sea Robbers, as they failed to produce any convincing chances on goal.
Edgar Manaka, however, got the opportunity to make a shot from long range at the stroke of halftime but it was saved by Melusi Buthelezi.
Siwelele sa Marumo made changes in the beginning of the second half to give their attack a boost, and it certainly paid off as the pressure was piled onto Orlando Pirates to hold onto their lead.
In the 69th minute, Evidence Makgopa had a chance to double the lead for Pirates, however, his shot was dragged wide.
Deon Hotto also had an opportunity to score, but Arubi defended his goal well in the 85th.
Three minutes of stoppage time was added, but despite Gallants’ best efforts they could not find the equaliser to extend the match.
Pirates then advanced to the Ke Yona final, giving them a chance to win it for the third time in a row.
Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (Dlamini 22’)
Marumo Gallants 0
Orlando Pirates: M. Buthelezi, D. van Rooyen, N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi, P. Mako, M. Makhaula, K. Dlamini (N. Ndlondlo 63’), M. Nkota (R. Mofokeng 63’), P. Maswanganyi (T. Xoki 89’), D. Hotto, E. Makgopa
Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, L. Mabotja, V. Sibiya, M. Mathiane, K. Ncube, S. Nhlapo (S. Sithole 46’), E. Manaka (D. Ndlovu 84’), D. Msendami, M. Nematajela, K. Mahlatsi (J. Dion 71’), M. Khumalo (G. Mhango 46’), E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 79’)