In a thrilling Nedbank Cup final at Mbombela Stadium, Orlando Pirates secured a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns. Relebohile Mofokeng, a late substitute, emerged as the hero with a dramatic last-minute goal.
Relebohile Mofokeng, who entered the match in the 71st minute, scored the decisive goal in the final moments. This secured Orlando Pirates’ victory. Patrick Maswanganyi had previously equalized for the Buccaneers with a penalty, after Themba Zwane initially put Sundowns ahead.
Pirates Defend Their Title Successfully
This win marks a successful title defense for Orlando Pirates, who also won the previous Nedbank Cup against Sekhukhune United. The highly anticipated match faced a 15-minute delay due to a large influx of fans, pushing the kickoff to 3:15 PM.
This final was the second cup clash between Pirates and Sundowns this season. Pirates had previously defeated Sundowns in the MTN8 final through a penalty shootout. In a surprising move, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro started Evidence Makgopa, leaving top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa on the bench.
Early Controversy and Missed Penalty
Sundowns were awarded a controversial penalty just six minutes into the game. Deon Hotto was penalized for fouling Khuliso Mudau, but Lucas Ribeiro’s attempt was denied by Sipho Chaine. Despite a dominant start by Sundowns, Pirates gradually regained their footing and began threatening Ronwen Williams’ goal.
In the 23rd minute, Ronwen Williams made a crucial save to deny Deon Hotto’s attempt after a through ball from Monnapule Saleng. As the first half progressed, both teams struggled to create clear chances.
Second Half Action and Goals
At the start of the second half, Sundowns introduced Junior Mendieta for center-back Grant Kekana, seeking an offensive edge. Themba Zwane broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, tapping into an empty net after a setup by Ribeiro.
Pirates’ Equalizer and Mofokeng’s Winner
In response, Riveiro made a double substitution, bringing on Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thabiso Lebitso. Pirates were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute when Modiba fouled Maswanganyi, who then converted the spot-kick to level the score.
The match continued with both teams displaying exciting attacking football. In the 90th minute, Mofokeng delivered the winning goal, securing a dramatic victory for Orlando Pirates.
Final Score and Lineups
- Mamelodi Sundowns: (0) 1 (Zwane 54’)
- Orlando Pirates: (0) 2 (Maswanganyi 71’ PEN, Mofokeng 90’)
Team Lineups
- Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams, G. Kekana (J. Mendieta 46’), T. Mokoena, M. Lebusa, K. Mudau, B. Zungu, B. Aubaas, A. Modiba, T. Zwane, L. Ribeiro (T. Morena), M. Allende
- Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, I. Maela (R. Mofokeng 71’), T. Sesane (N. Sibisi 83’), O. Ndah, T. Monyane (T. Lebitso 60’), T. Mbatha, M. Makhaula (K. Dlamini 71’), D. Hotto, P. Maswanganyi, M. Saleng, E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 60’)
Orlando Pirates’ triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final adds another chapter to their storied history, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess.