Relebohile Mofokeng, a late substitute, emerged as the hero for Orlando Pirates, scoring a dramatic last-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
The 19-year-old came on in the 71st minute for Innocent Maela and made a decisive impact. Patrick Maswanganyi had scored the first goal for the Buccaneers from the penalty spot, while Themba Zwane opened the scoring for Sundowns.
This victory marks a successful title defense for Pirates, having conquered Sekhukhune United in the previous Nedbank Cup edition.
MATCH DELAY BY FAN INFLUX
The highly anticipated clash was pushed back 15 minutes due to a large number of fans still entering the stadium. Despite the delay, kickoff eventually commenced at 3:15 PM.
This marked the second cup final showdown between the two teams this season. Earlier, Pirates emerged victorious against Sundowns in the MTN8 final through a penalty shootout.
In a surprising decision, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro opted to start Evidence Makgopa, leaving the reigning DStv Premiership Golden Boot winner, Tshegofatso Mabasa, on the bench.
Just six minutes into the game, a controversial penalty was awarded to Sundowns by referee Skhumbuzo Gasa. Deon Hotto was deemed to have fouled Khuliso Mudau in the box, but Sipho Chaine denied Lucas Ribeiro’s attempt from the spot.
After a dominant opening quarter by Sundowns, Pirates gradually clawed their way back into the game, threatening Ronwen Williams’ goal with increasing attacks. Both sides desperately sought the opening goal, resulting in an end-to-end encounter.
A crucial save by Williams in the 23rd minute denied Deon Hotto’s dangerous attempt after a Monnapule Saleng through ball. However, towards the end of the first half, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances.
At the start of the second half, Sundowns introduced Junior Mendieta, an offensive player, in place of center-back Grant Kekana, searching for a breakthrough.
THEMBA ZWANE BROKE THE DEADLOCK
The deadlock was finally broken in the 54th minute by Themba Zwane, who tapped the ball into an empty net after a perfect setup by Ribeiro.
Responding to the goal, Riveiro introduced a double substitution, bringing on Mabasa and Thabiso Lebitso for Makgopa and Thabiso Monyane.
In the 69th minute, Pirates received a penalty after Modiba was adjudged to have pushed Patrick Maswanganyi. Maswanganyi himself converted the penalty, leveling the score for the Soweto giants.
The remainder of the match was an exciting display of attacking football from both sides as they strived for the winning goal. Ultimately, it was substitute Relebohile Mofokeng who delivered the decisive blow in the 90th minute, securing a dramatic victory for Orlando Pirates.
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