The Orlando Pirates team advanced to the MTN8 tournament final after winning the second group match against Sekhukhune United with a score of 2-0, securing an overall victory of 3-0. The match took place on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium.
In the MTN8 semi-final, the second match between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United ended with a 3-0 victory for the Pirates team, totaling 4-0. Before this match, Pirates held an advantage in the total goal aggregate of 1-0.
Although the Buccaneers dominated throughout the game, two of the three goals scored were registered during the decisive two-minute period just before halftime, allowing the home team to achieve a confident victory.
The Sea Robbers demonstrated threat early in the match, creating at least five scoring opportunities within the first thirty minutes. In the 27th minute, Pirates almost managed to equalize when Gamphani Lungu was unmarked in the penalty area, but the goal was skillfully deflected over the crossbar by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla.
A couple of minutes later, Ntando Selepe also had a chance, but his shot went wide of the post. Pirates finally capitalized on their dominance in the 37th minute. Yanela Mbutuma broke through down the left flank, opening up the Sekhukhune defense, after which Tapelo Mokobodi received the cross in front of the defender and calmly directed the ball into the corner of the goal.
Shortly after, a quick counterattack began from a Sekhukhune corner kick, leading to Lungu being one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The striker did not miss his chance, shooting past the keeper and doubling the team's advantage that day.
After the end of regular time, Kamogelo Sebelebele scored the third goal for Pirates, concluding a perfect day for the Soweto giants. This result continues an impressive start to the campaign for Pirates, who are also jointly in first place in the Betway Premiership table with Mamelodi Sundowns, having earned 10 points after four matches. With this victory, the Soweto giants maintain momentum at the start of the season, aiming to win major trophies in all tournaments.
Pirates will now await the winner of the match between Sundowns and Golden Arrows on Sunday to determine their opponent in the cup final.