Defending champions Orlando Pirates booked their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over SuperSport United on Saturday evening.
MTN8
Result: Orlando Pirates 3-1 SuperSport United
Date: 03 August 2024
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa headlined Pirates' line-up, whilst Matsatsantsa gave debuts to Vincent Pule, Keanin Ayer, Pogiso Sanoka, Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Nyiko Mobbie.
Free-scoring Bradley Grobler, though, was inches to giving United the lead after meeting a turnover from a high-press, but he unfortunately slammed high and wide from a narrow angle.
Pirates did have a golden chance following the slow start, but Mofokeng side-footed over after receiving a perfectly-timed pass into the channels.
No drop of tempo from the Buccaneers ahead of the half-hour mark showed as Mabasa applied a sharp-turn to make space for a low shot out on the near side, but Goss palmed for a corner-kick.
The reigning champions were rewarded two minutes to halftime when Monnapule Saleng came in on the blind-side and cutback for Olisa Ndah to apply a cheeky finish.
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Matsatsantsa were back on level terms in the second half after Grobler connected with a diagonal cross and knocked down for the on-rushing Pule to nod in from close-range, with the player deciding not to celebrate.
Pirates, who still enjoyed a decent spell, came close to regaining the led when a snap shot from the area by Mbatha wrong-footed Goss who recovered in time to parry from the goal-line.
Once more pressure from the Buccaneers showed minutes in the midway spell of the half after Mofokeng made a short run-up to cut-inside and hit the base of the far post.
After regulation time ended all square, Pirates restored advantage two minutes into extra-time after a shortly taken free-kick saw Dlamini roll a low cross from the left for Saleng to tap in at the back-post.
As Matstsantsa attempted a response, Pirates made matters safe when substitute Evidence Makgopa latched onto a loose ball from a collision involving Goss and Saleng and finished off comfortably, booking their spot in the final four.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 36. Sesane, 6. Ndah, 2. Monyane, 7. Hotto, 8. Makhaula, 16. Mbatha, 14. Saleng, 38. Mofokeng, 28. Maswanganyi, 19. Mabasa
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 32. Moleleki, 30. Baloni, 25. Kimvuidi, 23. Maela, 18. Dlamini, 17. Makgopa, 15. Ndlondlo, 5. Sibisi
SuperSport United: 20. Goss, 2. Mobbie, 19. Rapoo, 4. Sanoka, 3. Hlatshwayo, 18. Poggenpoel, 23. Margeman, 25. Ayer, 15. Pule, 11. Dzvukamanja, 7. Grobler.
Subs: 30. Xulu, 42. Baloyi, 29. Baliti, 38. Moralo, 22. Matsio, 24. Lakay, 31. Makubo, 45. Mahlangu, 44. Muthewi.
