Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 final with a 2-0 second-leg victory (3-0 on aggregate) over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Phakamis Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamis Lensman/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates outclassed Sekhukhune United 3-0 (4-0 on aggregate) in their MTN8 semi-final second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates came into the match holding a 1-0 aggregate advantage, and were welcomed by a sun-soaked late-winter afternoon in Orlando.
Though the Buccaneers were dominant throughout, two of the three goals came during a decisive two-minute spell shortly before the interval to seal a comfortable victory for the hosts.
The Sea Robbers threatened early, creating no fewer than five goalscoring opportunities within the opening half-hour.
Pirates came close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute when Gamphani Lungu found himself unmarked in the centre of the box, but his header was expertly tipped over the crossbar by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla.
Just a couple of minutes later, Ntando Selepe had a chance of his own, only to see his attempt drift wide of the post.
Pirates finally made their dominance count in the 37th minute. Carving open the Sekhukhune defence with a bustling run down the left flank by Yanela Mbuthuma, Thapelo Mokobodi latched onto the cross ahead of his marker and calmly guided the ball into the corner of the net.
Moments later, a swift counter-attack launched directly from a Sekhukhune corner ended with Lungu breaking free one-on-one. The forward made no mistake, firing past the gloveman to double the lead on the day.
With regulation time up, Kamogelo Sebelebele added a third for Pirates to wrap up a perfect afternoon for the Soweto Giants.
The result continues an impressive start to the campaign for Pirates, who also sit joint-top of the Betway Premiership standings alongside Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 points after four matches. With this victory, the Soweto giants maintain their early-season momentum as they chase major silverware across all fronts.
Pirates will now await the winner of Sundowns and Golden Arrows on Sunday, to find out their opponents in the final of the cup competition.
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