Orlando Pirates Beat Mamelodi Sundowns in Dramatic MTN8 Semifinal on Penalties
- First Half – Mamelodi Sundowns Take the Lead
The match roared to life with Sundowns dominating early possession. Around the 30th minute, Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring with a powerful shot, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead (2-1 on aggregate). The goal, sparked by a precise pass from Marcelo Allende, saw Mokoena outmuscle the Pirates’ defense, as noted by VAVEL. Orlando struggled to respond, losing the ball quickly in midfield, but goalkeeper Sipho Chaine kept them in the game with a vital save on Arthur Sales’ fierce strike. - Second Half – Pirates Fight Back
Orlando Pirates, under pressure from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s rocky start, shifted gears after halftime. With higher pressing, they disrupted Sundowns’ rhythm. In the 82nd minute, Kamogelo Sebelebele equalized with a brilliant low shot past Ronwen Williams, leveling the score at 1-1 (2-2 on aggregate). The goal, assisted by Relebohile Mofokeng, followed relentless pressure from substitutes Boitumelo Radiopane and Tshepang Moremi, igniting the Pirates’ faithful. The match grew intense, with Sihle Nduli earning a yellow card for a foul. - Extra Time – No Breakthrough
With the aggregate tied, the match went to extra time. Both teams created chances, but Sundowns’ Sphelele Mkhulise received a yellow card for a foul on Monnapule Saleng, who was stretchered off due to injury. Pirates’ Sipho Mbule and Paseka Mako were caught offside, while Sundowns’ Bongani Zungu and Marcelo Allende missed key opportunities. The score remained 1-1, setting the stage for penalties. - Penalty Shootout – Pirates Triumph
The shootout was a showcase of nerves and skill. Orlando Pirates’ Karim Kimvuidi and Lesedi Kapinga converted their penalties with precision, while Tapelo Xoki missed, shooting just too high. Sipho Chaine emerged as the hero, saving shots from Bongani Zungu, Teboho Mokoena, and Júnior Mendieta. Sundowns’ Mothobi Mvala scored, but it wasn’t enough, as Pirates clinched a 3-1 shootout win, advancing to the MTN8 final.
Key Stats
- Final Score: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Orlando Pirates (2-2 aggregate; Pirates win 3-1 on penalties)
- Goal Scorers: Teboho Mokoena (30’) for Sundowns; Kamogelo Sebelebele (82’) for Pirates
- Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria
- Key Moments: Chaine’s saves in regulation and shootout; Sebelebele’s equalizer; Mkhulise and Nduli yellow cards
- Context: Pirates, defending champions, aim for a record fourth consecutive MTN8 title, while Sundowns, last winners in 2021, faltered despite an away goal advantage.
- Head-to-Head: In 14 MTN8 matches, Pirates edge Sundowns with 5 wins to 4, with 5 draws.
Analysis:
Orlando Pirates showed resilience under pressure, overcoming a tough start to the 2025/26 season (two league losses) and injuries to key players like Olisa Ndah, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Makhehleni Makhaula. Sebelebele’s clutch performance, scoring in both legs, eased the heat on coach Ouaddou, while Chaine’s shootout heroics proved decisive. Sundowns, despite a strong 2-0 league win over AmaZulu, lacked clinical finishing, as noted by former player Sibusiso Vilakazi, who highlighted their need for better discipline. The electric atmosphere at Lucas Moripe, with a sold-out crowd, couldn’t propel Sundowns past Pirates’ determination.
Orlando Pirates advance to face either Stellenbosch FC or Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 final, with Stellenbosch leading 2-0 from their first leg. Sundowns shift focus to their next Betway Premiership match, aiming to build on their 2-0-1 start.