Orlando Pirates received a difficult draw in the quarterfinals of South Africa's Nedbank Cup but the Bucs prevailed on Saturday with a penalty kick victory over hosts SuperSport United following a 2-2 draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
A thrilling first half set the tone for the dramatic conclusion seen later on. Close to the half hour mark, Pirates opened the scoring when the SuperSport defense failed to adequately clear a lofted ball into the penalty area and Bucs defender Mbekezile Mbokazi reacted to fire in his first professional goal on only his second appearance.
SuperSport responded on a defensive error from Pirates when a long ball from SuperSport keeper Ricardo Goss saw a miscommunication between a Bucs defender and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who failed to claim the ball allowing Terrence Dzvukamanja to finish. The Happy People swiftly responded through Evidence Makgopa who arrived for an easy finish after Deon Hotto's initial effort was deflected into Makgopa's path.
It appeared Pirates would hold on to advance but SuperSport threw the result into doubt with a stellar late leveler. In the second minute of stoppage time, Gape Moralo received Lebohang Maboe's pass and his brilliant first touch created the space to fire his shot in and send the match to extra time.
After a goalless extra time session, a battle between South African international goalkeepers ensued to determine a winner. After Pirates shot stopper Sipho Chaine denied former Bucs attacker Vincent Pule, Goss responded by saving from an attempt by Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. However, after Chaine brilliantly got down to save Christian Saile's spot kick, Goodman Mosele confirmed a semifinal place for the Bucs with his conversion.
Full match highlights and full penalty shootout
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