Orlando Pirates were crowned MTN 8 champions for the third year running after they battled back from an early goal down to beat Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Bradley Mojela opened the scoring in stunning fashion on 13 minutes, but Jose Riveiro's side equalised through Monnapule Saleng just before halftime to keep their title defence alive.
𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆 🔥🏆
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 5, 2024
Is it even an MTN8 final if Saleng doesn't score? 😏
📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/9bxVXQUdlT
The match looked to be heading to extra time when Tshegofatso Mabasa struck in the 91st minute and Relebohile Mofokeng sealed the comeback win five minutes later to spark wild celebrations around the stadium.
𝐔𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝟑 𝐁𝐔𝐂𝐒 🏆🏆🏆
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 5, 2024
Orlando Pirates become the first team EVER to win 3 #MTN8 titles 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/2AXZtpH6qK
The Maroons got off to a dream start when they hit the front after just 13 minutes in Durban. A long throw-in from the right was flicked on by Andre de Jong and Mojela gave Sipho Chaine no chance with an acrobatic scissors-kick that flew into the back of the net.
𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄🤯
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 5, 2024
Rele Mofokeng closes the deal for the Bucs 🏆🏆🏆#MTN8 pic.twitter.com/ZJG3ZrM4Xg
Pirates looked for a quick response and Patrick Maswanganyi curled a shot straight into the gloves of Sage Stephens on 15 minutes before Thabiso Monyane tested the goalkeeper midway through the first half after good link-up play with Deon Hotto.
Stephens was called into action again on 27 minutes to deny Maswanganyi from Hotto's cutback pass, while Chaine pulled off a fine save to his right to keep out an effort from Ibraheem Jabaar in the 31st minute.
However, the Soweto giants eventually found a reply two minutes before halftime as Saleng beat Stephens to register his fourth goal in four games.
Bucs made a bright start to the second half and Stephens came to Steve Barker side's rescue on 48 minutes when he turned Hotto's shot against the frame of the goal and he had to be at his best once more in the 69th minute to keep out Mofokeng from close range.
Stellies had a chance to win it in the final minute of regulation time as Genino Palace got on the end of Sanele Barns' corner, but flicked his header wide of the target.
The Sea Robbers made them pay moments later when Mabasa popped up with his second goal in the competition and Mofokeng completed the comeback deep into stoppage time.
There will certainly be some arguments around Mabasa's goal though, as the free-kick assist was taken from a spot nowhere near the foul, and much closer to the box.
That, however, is for another day. For now, it's hat-trick celebration time for Bucs fans.
Orlando Pirates (1) 3 (Saleng 43', Mabasa 90'+1, Mofokeng 90'+6)
Stellenbosch (1) 1 (Mojela 12')
Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, T. Monyane, T. Sesane, N. Sibisi, I. Maela (R. Mofokeng 62'), T. Mbatha (S. Rasebotja 74'), M. Makhaula (K. Dlamini 66'), M. Saleng, P. Maswanganyi, D. Hotto, E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 66').
Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, T. Moloisane, I. Toure, A. Mcaba, F. Basadien, D. Titus (L. Phili 85'), I. Jabaar, S. Nduli (C. Butsaka 57'), J. Adams, B. Mojela (S. Barns 74'), A. de Jong (G. Palace 85').