sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates have clinched a spot in the Nedbank Cup final for the third straight year after their 1-0 triumph over Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
Kabelo Dlamini scored the crucial goal for the Buccaneers in the first half, receiving a superb assist from Patrick Maswanganyi.
The Buccaneers made four changes to their lineup from their previous encounter with MC Alger in the CAF Champions League quarterfinal earlier in the week.
Sipho Chaine, Tapelo Xoki, and Relebohile Mofokeng started the match on the bench, while Thalente Mbatha was excluded from the matchday squad.
In the starting eleven were Melusi Buthelezi, Paseka Mako, Dlamini, and the 2023/24 midfielder of the season, Patrick Maswanganyi.
Despite these adjustments, Jose Riveiro’s team started vigorously, coming close to scoring within the first ten minutes thanks to Deano Van Rooyen.
The Pirates maintained their control of the match, pushing for the opening goal, which they achieved in the 22nd minute when Dlamini executed a brilliant combination with Maswanganyi.
After the 30-minute mark, Marumo Gallants intensified their efforts to level the score, nearly finding the net just before halftime, but Buthelezi made a remarkable save to deny Edgar Manaka.
In the second half, both teams returned with renewed vigor, yet neither side managed to score in the opening ten minutes.
The Buccaneers made their first substitutions in the 62nd minute, with Mofokeng and Ndayithethwa Ndlondlo replacing Mohau Nkota and goalscorer Dlamini.
Pirates came close to increasing their lead in the 70th minute after a defensive blunder by the Gallants, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Five minutes later, the home side replaced Evidence Makgopa with Tshegofatso Mabasa, the top goalscorer of the 23/24 DStv Premiership season. Just three minutes after entering, Mabasa nearly scored, but his attempt was cleared off the line.
In the 85th minute, Washington Arubi made an incredible save to prevent the Namibian attacker from scoring a second goal for Pirates, following up with another vital stop in the 87th minute to deny Mofokeng.
The Buccaneers are set to reach the Nedbank Cup final for the third consecutive year, having won the tournament in the last two seasons by defeating Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Riveiro’s team will face the winner of the semifinal clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns, scheduled to take place on Sunday evening at Loftus Stadium.
