Pirates reach Nedbank final

Orlando Pirates progressed to the final of the Nedbank Cup when they defeated Maritzburg United 2-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night.

The Buccaneers took a two-goal lead through an own-goal from Mario Booysen and a great strike from Mpho Makola, while Terrance Mandaza scored the only goal for the home side.

The visitors threatened early with but Virgil Vries proved to be alert between the sticks as he stopped an effort from Mpho Makola in the opening minute before denying Daine Klate from close range in the 13^th minute.

The Buccaneers continued to search for the opener and in the 20^th minute it was Thabo Matlaba who used his skill to get rid of Michael Morton before shooting over the crossbar.

United had their first opportunity from a counter-attack four minutes later but substitute Terrance Mandaza, who had replaced Orlando Smeekes, was unable to reach a low cross from Ruben Cloete.

Pirates had more opportunities before the break but they were unable to break the deadlock as Thabo Matlaba shot over the target in the 30^th minute, while Oupa Manyisa fired straight at Vries three minutes later.

The opening goal came in the 52^nd minute as Booysen deflected the ball into his own net after Erasmus’ shot was palmed onto the crossbar by Vries.

The visitors added a second on the hour mark as Makola received a pass from Klate outside the box before beating Vries with a low shot.

Manyisa had an opportunity to extend the lead in the 72^nd minute after a free kick from Klate was pushed into his path by Vries but he ballooned his shot over the crossbar.

United pulled one goal back a minute later as Mandaza fired home from the left side of the penalty area, connecting with a headed pass from Bongolwethu Jayiya.

The visitors were under pressure in the final minutes of the game as United pushed forward in search of the equaliser but Pirates were able to see the match out to book their place in the final.

Maritzburg United (0) 1 (Mandaza 73’)

Orlando Pirates (0) 2 (Booysen M og. 52’; Makola 60’)

Maritzburg United: Vries, Awal, Booysen M, Cloete, Evans, Mkhize, Smeekes (Mandaza 19’), Jayiya, Sarfo-Gyamfi (Vilakazi 66’), Isaacks, Morton (Hartog 64’)

Orlando Pirates: Meyiwa, Matlaba, Jele, Mahamutsa, Lekgwathi, Klate (Gcaba 84’), Myeni (Segolela 57’), Ntshumayelo, Manyisa, Makola, Erasmus (Majoro 66’)

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