Orlando Pirates have been crowned 2022 MTN8 champions after defeating AmaZulu 1-0 in the final on Saturday night.
MTN8 Final
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu
Date: 05 November 2022
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Pirates made four changes from their narrow loss to Kaizer Chiefs, as goalkeeper Richard Ofori, Tapelo Xoki, Ben Motswari and Miguel Timm were recalled,
while Usuthu brought back George Maluleka, Sphesihle Maduna and Gabadinho Mhango against his former side.
The Buccaneers could not settle in the opening exchanges after Nkosinathi Sibisi was stretchered off with a calf muscle injury following a tackle by Mhango and was replaced by Paseka Mako.
However, Thabiso Monyane came close to giving the Sea Robbers the lead on 12 minutes with a volleyed shot that was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
After initially sitting back, Jose Riveiro's charges eventually broke the deadlock from a set-piece on 25 minutes after Monnapule Saleng curled a diagonal strike that dipped towards the top corner.
Pirates regained control of the game after the half-hour mark but could not make their momentum count, while Usuthu struggled to get their foothold in the game in a very physical first stanza.
AmaZulu had their first shot on target on the stroke of halftime after Maluleka forced a save out of Ofori with a dipping free-kick from range.
Romain Folz's troops were fired up early in the second stanza after they introduced Lehlohonolo Majoro and were more of a threat going forward.
The Soweto giants absorbed the pressure and survived a big scare on the hour-mark after Majoro guided a header in the box off the crossbar after a cross by Maduna.
The Buccaneers struggled to get out of their own half, as they contained Usuthu and Riveiro made a change in the last 15 minutes for fresh legs in attack as Vincent Pule replaced Kermit Erasmus.
Pirates had a better escape on counter-attacks after that as Saleng almost killed the game in the last five minutes but was denied by Mothwa.
Usuthu kept on coming in the dying minutes but the Buccaneers defended in numbers and held on to be crowned champions for a record-extending fourth time and managed to keep the trophy for good.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 31. Ofori, 5. Sibisi, 49. Ndah, 27. Xoki, 2. Monyane, 4. Timm, 6. Motshwari, 11. Hotto, 15. Ndlondlo, 14. Saleng, 95. Erasmus.
Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 29. Mako, 26. Shandu, 25. Lepasa, 18. Dlamini, 17. Mokgopa, 45. Pule, 9. Nga, 12. Makgaka.
AmaZulu: 44. Mothwa, 5. Sikhakhane, 14. Hanamub, 23. Mphahlele, 2. Mobara, 8. Makhaula, 50. Bwalya, 12. Maluleka, 9. Kwem, 10. Maduna, 11. Mhango.
Subs: 38. Amonome, 42. Mabiliso, 17. Gumede, 4. Malepe, 45. Buchanan, 18. Brooks, 15. Zuma, 3. Ndlovu, 20. Majoro.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
