Nedbank Cup: Holders Orlando Pirates on course for three-peat by sneaking into semi-finals after defeating SuperSport United

On his second start for Orlando Pirates, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi struck with his left foot off an attempt by SuperSport United to clear danger to break the deadlock on 29 minutes and his first ever professional goal.

But Matsatsantsa levelled two minutes before half-time through Terrence Dzvukamanja, who hit against his former paymasters.

In the stoppage time of the first half, Evidence Makgopa justified why he was started when he reclaimed the lead for the Buccaneers.

SuperSport came back again, this time in stoppage time, through the individual brilliance of Gape Moralo, who weaved his way past Pirates defenders before beating goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

On an afternoon coach Gavin Hunt was suspended and not on the SuperSport bench, the match ended 2-2 after extra time, leading to penalty shootouts which ended 5-4 in favour of the Buccaneers.

Defending champions Pirates are now in the semi-finals of this competition.

Evidence Makgopa was playing in front of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and he put up a decent performance that could keep him in the national side.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has carved himself a reputation as a Cup game specialist.

He remains unbeaten in the Nedbank Cup and is on course to claim this trophy for a third straight season, having already won the MTN8 this term.

It has been a difficult season for SuperSport, who are struggling in the Premier Soccer League and they have now been booted out of the Nedbank Cup.

That limits what they have to play for in their remaining 10 league games, although a top-eight finish is a possibility for them.

Matsatsantsa now switch attention to their Premier Soccer League campaign and visit TS Galaxy on Tuesday, hoping to move away from 13th position, which is near the relegation zone.

On the same evening, Pirates resume their chase of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by travelling to Stellenbosch.