Orlando Pirates snatched a 2-1 smash-and-grab victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a Nedbank Cup semi-final encounter at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The momentous occasion was delayed by 15 minutes as spectators from both sides were still making their way into the stadium.
This is despite the PSL urging ticket holders to arrive early with gates opened from 11:00 am.
Sandile Mthethwa scored the all-important goal in the 114- minute with Pirates progressing despite having fewer of the goalscoring opportunities.
The two SA football giants went toe-to-toe from the opening minute, and this lively start saw each side forcing a corner in the first five minutes.
In the early attacks, Kaizer Chiefs had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but an unmarked Christian Saile made no connection with the ball from a cross that was delivered by Ashley Du Preez.
CHRISTIAN SAILE MISSING TWO GOLDEN OPPORTUNTIES
A minute after Saile’s miss-kick, Orlando Pirates launched an attack and the man for big occasions Kermit Erasmus found the back of the net after some brilliant work from Monnapule Saleng in the 13th minute.
That was Pirates’ first goal against Amakhosi this season in three meetings. And that goal saw Chiefs put Bucs under immense pressure. Amakhosi attempted to hit back immediately with Yusuf Maart driving a shot at goal but hit the upright
Chiefs continued to dominate and create chances but it seems Saile had forgotten his goal-scoring boots at home. The attacker once again squandered a chance to score in the 37th minute. His dividing header from point-blank range went wide.
The entertaining half was nearly overshadowed by a bad injury for Bandile Shandu. He collided with Reeve Frolser and was stretched off the field; replaced by Deon Hotton on the stroke of half-time.
In the second stanza, the battle between the shaky defence of Pirates and the erratic Chiefs attack continued.
Du Preez and Sifiso Hlanti had clear opportunities to equalise for Amakhosi but failed to hit the target early in the half.
But for the most part of the second half, Pirates showed signs of lethargy with Chiefs knocking on the door.
Chiefs, who were persistent and kept on throwing numbers forward, were rewarded as Maart made it 1-1 in the 79th minute after a delightful ball from Dillan Solomons.
THRILLING END TO THE PIRATES – CHIEFS CLASH
The equaliser saw Pirates change their approach from time-wasting and defending to attacking.
It was end-to-end staff in the last 10 minutes with both sides pushing for the winner.
Bienvenu Eva Nga, with the goal at his mercy in the dying minutes of the game, missed a sitter, which happened to be the last real opportunity of the 90 minutes.
In extra-time, chances were few and far between. It was scrappy, to say the least.
A furious extra-time fracas, involving half-a-dozen players from each team, marred what was at most times a high-voltage game.
Pirates will play the winner of Sekhukhune United- Stellenbosch FC in the second Nedbank Cup semifinal set to play on Sunday, 07 May 2023.
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