By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch on Sunday but still progressed to the final of the MTN8 where they will meet Mamelodi Sundowns.
Thanks to two away goals in the 2-1 victory away in Cape Town, Pirates sneaked through due to the away goals rule following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Jose Riveiro’s men were unconvincing on home turf on Sunday as they allowed Stellies to register victory courtesy of a Zakhele Lepasa 22nd minute own goal.
They will now meet Sundowns in the final as they seek to defend this top-eight tournament.
Centre-back Sandile Mthethwa made his first PSL start of the season in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi while central midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo was back from suspension.
The visitors from the Cape Winelands missed suspended defender Ismael Toure and he was replaced by Thabo Moloisane who was returning from serving PSL sanctions.
With no clear-cut chances witnessed during the early stages of the contest, Stellenbosch stunned their hosts when an Iqraam Rayners low effort was deflected into the net by Lepasa.
Pirates’ first best chance of the match came after 38 minutes when a Deon Hotto freekick drew a spectacular diving save from Sage Stephens in goals for the Western Cape side.
With three minutes to halftime, Devin Titus’s volley had the Buccaneers goalkeeper Sipho Chaine pull a good save.
It became a second half of few realistic chances but Hotto’s freekick made Stephens desperately save it and shortly after, the Stellenbosch goalkeeper had to tip a Patrick Maswanganyi effort over the bar.
Judging by the casual way they executed themselves, the two sides looked like they were content with the draw despite Stellenbosch being on the backfoot in terms of the result.
But there was a chance for Pirates to settle matters beyond reach towards the end of regulation time but substitute Evidence Makgopa was denied by Stephens.
The Buccaneers held on and they now prepare to meet Sundowns in the final.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC
Image source: Orlando Pirates
