Dlamini hits brace as Pirates reach Nedbank final after 3-1 victory over Chippa
Orlando Pirates secured their place in the Nedbank Cup final with a convincing 3-1 victory over 10-man Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kabelo Dlamini was the star of the show for the Buccaneers, bagging a brace. Thapelo Xoki added another goal to further extend Pirates’ lead. The only response from Chippa United came from Elmo Kambindu, who managed to pull one back for the home side.
This win sends Pirates through to the final, where they will await the winner of the other semifinal between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC.
Within the first minute, Stanley Nwabali in the Chippa’ goal was forced into a save, denying Tshegofatso Mabasa’s close-range effort after a good build-up from the side and a cut-back from Relebohile Mofokeng.
Just three minutes later, Kabelo Dlamini found the net with a well-taken free-kick, putting the visitors ahead.
While Chippa United managed some promising attacks, Pirates dominated possession and threatened through both the center and flanks.
The Chilli Boys gradually grew in confidence and spent more time in the Pirates’ half, but Ezimnyama Ngenkani remained vigilant and kept the scoreline at 1-0.
In the 23rd minute, Ayabulela Konqobe unleashed a powerful shot from distance, but Chaine produced a fantastic save to deny him.
THE SCORE REMAINED 2-0 TO ORLANDO PIRATES AT HALF-TIME
Undeterred, Pirates continued to press for a second goal, particularly down the left wing through the lively Mofokeng. Their efforts paid off in the 41st minute as Dlamini doubled their lead with a clinical finish after a neat assist from Patrick Maswanganyi. The score remained 2-0 to Pirates at halftime.
The Soweto giants enjoyed a significant possession advantage after introducing Miguel Timm in midfield at halftime, replacing Thalente Mbatha. Chippa United also made substitutions, bringing on Elmo Kambindu and Papama Tyongwana for Craig Martin and Ayabulela Konqobe.
Kambindu nearly cut the deficit shortly after his introduction but failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity against Thabiso Sesane after a good pass from Eva Nga. However, Chippa’s persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Kambindu redeemed himself with a simple tap-in from another Nga assist.
Pirates responded strongly and restored their two-goal lead in the 81st minute. Thapelo Xoki rose unmarked at the back post to head home a Patrick Maswanganyi cross.
Chippa’s hopes of a comeback were further dashed when Eva Nga received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 88th minute. The Buccaneers comfortably defended their lead in the remaining minutes to secure their place in the Nedbank Cup final.
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