Mpumalanga, Mbombela - General View action during the 2024 Nedbank Cup Final between Mamelodi Sundowns v Orlando Pirates on 1 June 2024 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province Photo by Thabang Lepule/Orlando Pirates Football Club
Orlando Pirates Keep the Nedbank Cup Championship
In a thrilling final held at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, Orlando Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 to win the Nedbank Cup for the second time in their history.
After a fiercely contested game, the Buccaneers pulled off a stunning comeback reminiscent of their victory in 2023 to win in the closing seconds.
They had to deal with a nervous start after being put on the back foot from the first whistle, having been drawn as the away team for the third straight game in the competition.
In the second minute, Aubrey Modiba found himself in space inside the Bucs penalty area, and Thabiso Monyane was called upon to step in and stop him.
The referee pointed to the penalty spot after Deon Hotto was judged to have fouled Khuliso Mudau within the box, giving the home team an even greater chance to take the lead. Goalie Sipho Chaine made a fantastic stop to save Lucas Ribeiro from scoring, therefore that opportunity was wasted.
After a handoff inside Sundowns territory in the 17th minute, the Pirates had their first meaningful opportunity. The subsequent onslaught was directed towards Patrick Maswanganyi, who was unable to get past Ronwen Williams.
As they advanced in the match, Hotto was put through by Monnapule Saleng and forced another save from the Brazilian goalkeeper with a right-footed effort.
At the other end, Sundowns had a couple of half-chances, but Chaine handled Ribeiro’s long-range attempt with ease. The home team’s goal was attempted by both Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, but neither player was able to change the score, so the Buccaneers ended the first half stronger than the other team.
The second period began with the visitors in more control, but nine minutes in, Ribeiro slipped behind to set up Themba Zwane, who gave the men from Tshwane the lead without needing a second invitation.
The Buccaneers made multiple incursions into the Brazilian half in an attempt to get an equalizer, and Mbatha created a chance by seizing the
They didn’t have to wait long because Maswanganyi was called for a foul in the 71st minute, and the referee duly awarded a penalty. Dusting himself off, he took the spot kick and leveled the score calmly by sending Williams the wrong way.
Replacement midfielder Kabelo Dlamini forced Williams into a long-range stop as the Soweto Giants attempted to take the lead right away. Tshegofatso Mabasa, a fellow substitute, then repeated the feat from within the box when he connected with Saleng.
After a play started by Olisa Ndah close to the midway line, another second-half substitute produced the game-winning moment in the closing seconds. It looked as though extra time would be required.
With only a few seconds remaining, the defender found Saleng on the right side. The attacker then connected with Relebohile Mofokeng, who slipped past Bongani Zungu and fired past Williams to give the Pirates the lead.
Shortly after, the final whistle blew, validating the Soweto Giants’ claim to a second straight cup double as they added yet another piece of silverware to their collection.
Pirates XI: Hotto, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Makgopa (Mabasa 60′), Mbatha, Makhaula (Mofokeng 72′), Monyane (Lebitso 60′), Chaine, Ndah, Sesane (Sibisi 83′), Maela (Dlamini 72′), and Mbatha, Makhaula (Mofokeng 72′).
