Mamelodi Sundowns suffer setback ahead of Kaizer Chiefs showdown as Orlando Pirates dispatch Masandawana to reach MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates withstood the storm to dispatch Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 second-leg semi-final after grabbing a 4-1 win in the penalty shootout at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw in the regulation time, and the MTN8 finalist had to be decided by the spot kicks, with Bucs ultimately emerging the winners.

Meanwhile, after push and pull in the opening minutes, Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through Rayners, whose goal saw the home fans erupt in celebration as Bucs were left dejected. 

As the first half progressed, Pirates applied more pressure on Sundowns, but the home side stood tall and weathered the storm. Bucs won a free kick in the 24th minute but could not get anything meaningful from it, and in the 27th minute, Ronwen Williams did well to leave his area and collect the ball, ending the lurking danger. 

Although they were not clinical in the final third, Pirates kept fighting, and a combination of Relebohile Mofokeng and Kamogelo Sebelebele presented a real threat to Sundowns, but Zuko Mdunyelwa did well to clear the danger in the 36th minute. 

In a tactical tweak, Abdeslam Ouaddou made a change in the 39th minute when he withdrew Patrick Maswanganyi and brought on Bandile Shandu.

The Sea Robbers survived a 49th-minute scare when Rayners, after being spotted by Arthur Sales, saw his effort hit the post.

A minute after pulling off a good save to deny Tashreeq Matthews, Sipho Chaine almost conceded as he was well beaten in the 56th minute, and he has Sihle Nduli to thank, as the midfielder made a goalline clearance in the 56th minute.

Sebelebele, who is turning out to be a vital figure in the Pirates' set-up with critical goals, equalised for the away side in the 73rd minute. 

Lebo Mothiba scored the only shootout penalty for Sundowns, while Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena were denied by Sipho Chaine.

Deon Hotto, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, and Abdoulaye Mariko scored their respective spot kicks to send Pirates through.

Sebelebele has stepped up when Pirates needed him the most; he scored in the first leg and found the back of the net again at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.  

He is a man who is fast evolving into a star for the Sea Robbers. 

Miguel Cardoso remains one of the most criticised head coaches, with some questioning his ability to lead the Tshwane giants. Well, with the MTN8 results, those critics are expected to be even louder. 

For the MTN8 final, Pirates will know their opponents after the conclusion of the Sekhukhune United vs Stellenbosch FC semi-final encounter later on Saturday. 

Sundowns have another bigger date against Kaizer Chiefs on August 27, when they will face off in the league.