Orlando Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Black Label Cup final after defeating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties.
Carling Black Label
Result: Orlando Pirates 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs (Pirates won 6-5 on penalties)
Date: 12 November 2022
Venue: FNB Stadium
Chiefs had three rare entrants in the line-up voted by fans, with Eric Mathoho, Njabulo Ngcobo and Phathutshedzo Nange starting while Njabulo Blom and Siyethemba Sithebe were both missing due to illness.
Pirates also had a vastly different line-up from their MTN8 final win with the likes of goalkeeper Richard Ofori, Innocent Maela, Thabiso Monyane, Nkosinathi Sibisi Olisa Ndah out injured.
Amakhosi seemingly settled the quicker of the sides as Mathoho had an early chance from a cross but sent his header over the crossbar.
Jose Riveiro's charges found their footing after that as they largely pinned the Glamour Boys back but had the first shot on target from a set-piece on 19 minutes after Tapelo Xoki forced a save out of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
With Njabulo Ngcobo playing out of position at right back, Pirates looked to exploit that vulnerability with Monnapule Saleng, who eventually got past him just after the half-hour mark and played a decisive cross that was snuffed out by Edmilson Dove in front of goal.
Arthur Zwane's charges threatened on set plays and counter-attacks and Kgaogelo Sekgota had a golden chance just before the interval after he broke clear from Khama Billiat's through ball but Bandile Shandu made a vital tackle in the box from behind after a quick recovery.
Chiefs had another lively start in the second stanza as Yusuf Maart forced a fine save out goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane after going through on goal.
Just before the hour mark, Zwane balanced his team and was going for speed in attack with a double change as Dillan Solomons replaced Njabulo Ngcobo and Ashley Du Preez came on for Sekgota.
Chiefs' pace continued to be a problem for Pirates, as Du Preez found the back of the net 13 minutes before time after latching onto a ball over the defence but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The game was on the edge in the dying minutes as Pule came close to snatching the winner for the Sea Robbers with a free header that glanced wide after a long cross by Deon Hotto.
Evidence Makgopa made his first appearance for the Buccaneers in the tail end as the penalty shoot-out were required after neither side could get the winner.
Pirates won the shoot-out 6-5 after Sifiso Hlanti clipped the top of the crossbar with his sudden death spot-kick and Pule fired home the winning kick.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Mathoho, Njabulo Ngcobo, Hlanti, Dove, Sekgota, Maart, Nange, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Dolly, Billiat
Orlando Pirates: Mpontshane, Mthethwa, Xoki, Mako, Shandu, Ndlondlo, Timm, Motshwari, Makaringe, Erasmus, Saleng
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