Pirates beat AmaZulu in thriller to reach Nedbank Cup semi-finals

Orlando Pirates have reached the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, having defeated AmaZulu FC 4-2 in a breathtaking game at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night.

The game got underway at 18:15 instead of the scheduled 18:00 start to allow more fans to enter the stadium. The wait was worth it, as the supporters were treated to an exciting display of football.

It was an end-to-end battle, with Pirates securing their place alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals. The final team in the last four will be decided on Sunday after the TS Galaxy versus Chippa United clash.

Pirates started the game on the front foot, pushing deep into the AmaZulu territory inside the opening 10 minutes, but couldn’t find the goal with Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Innocent Maela failing to convert their opportunities.

But it was Usuthu who got the first real chance of the game but Victor Letsoalo’s effort was saved by Pirates goalie Sipho Chaine in the 13th minute of the game.

The visitors continued to control possession and dictate the pace of the game but found themselves behind at the half-hour mark. AmaZulu star Pule Ekstein capitalised on a breakaway opportunity to open the scoring.

SIX-GOAL THRILLER AT THE ICONIC MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM

Pirates went in search of the equaliser, piling on the pressure and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty decision just before halftime. Taariq Fielies was adjudged to have brought down Makhehlene Makhaula in the box. But replays showed that Makhaula might have already been losing his balance.

Patrick Maswanganyi made no mistake from the spot as he pulled Pirates level. The halftime whistle sounded, and the score was 1-1.

This time around, it was AmaZulu, who started the half like a home on fire as Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane pulled off an excellent tackle to stop Ekstein, who was clear on goal in the 53’ minute.

Five minutes later, Pirates took the lead for the first time in the game from a set-piece. Kabelo Dlamini left Veli Mothwa rooted to the spot as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

But in a fightback by the home side, Usuthu pressured Pirates and levelled the score at 2-2 in the 64th minute thanks to a Taariq Fielies goal.

Emboldened by the equaliser, AmaZulu shifted into high gear, threatening Pirates’ goal. The visitors, however, held their nerve. In a close call, Ekstein nearly put AmaZulu back in front in the 72nd minute. However, his shot from inside the box rattled the crossbar.

But disaster struck for AmaZulu in the 82nd minute. They failed to clear a cross into the box, allowing Makhula to seize the opportunity and slot the ball home for Pirates, giving them a 3-2 lead.

As the clock ticked down with eight minutes remaining, AmaZulu threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. However, their attacking approach left them exposed at the back. Pirates capitalised with a swift counter-attack.

The move culminated in a goal by Maswanganyi, securing his brace and extending Pirates’ lead to 4-2.

Clinching this victory, the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, remain firmly on track to retain their title.

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