Pirates sneak away victory

On Sunday Orlando Pirates literally sneaked into the semi-finals of the 2013 MTN8 after beating SuperSport United in a penalty-shootout due to a two-all draw at the end of the 90 minute play. Although Pirates succeeded to win the shoot-out and quarter final, it was the SuperSport team that did the hard work by defending ferociously and attacking at every opportunity. Roger de Sa's side was given a hard blow as he lost one of his star players, the Zambian Collins Mbesuma, in the 15th minute due to an ankle injury. Both teams made their intentions clear, and the Bucs' attempts in the 22nd, 25th and 27th minute were unsuccessful. It was a big blunder by Thabo Matlaba that gave SuperSport fans and the team the opportunity to celebrate their first points. Under bizarre circumstances Matlaba flicked a SuperSport throw into his own net to beat Senzo Meyiwa, who was off his line. In the dying minutes of the first half the Bucs had a good opportunity to get back into the game after Sifiso Myeni was brought down at the edge of the box by Edwin Gyimah. Dane Klate followed with a free kick that came off Kurt Lentjies' head for a corner kick. The start of the second half lacked the electrifying pace that was on show in the first. With eight minutes played, Rooi Mahamutsa was at the end of a Pirates corner kick with a deft peace of footwork but yet again his effort went off target. In search of a goal, De Sa threw in Kermit Erasmus. It wasn't long before this tactical change paid off. The former SuperSport man combined well with Lennox Bacela. The former Celtic hit man, who was inside the box, made no mistake as his shot found the back of the net. With 18 minutes of play left, Meyiwa was forced to push away a Sibusiso Khumalo strike that looked harmless until it hit a bumpy surface. SuperSport United took the lead three minutes into extra time through Mogogi Gabonamong. Mame Niang used his aerial advantage after challenging Meyiwa in a cross and the Pirates goalkeeper couldn't handle the ball. The Botswana International smashed the ball into an empty net. Pirates continued to attack in search of the equaliser. The Pretoria side were eight minutes away from glory when substitute Thulasizwe Mbuyane played a cross into the box and Bacela scored the equalizer, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. With SuperSport United coming under pressure, they soon lost Sibusiso Khumalo after he received a second yellow card. However they managed to hang on until the end. After a tense penalty shootout, the Buccaneers came out victorious. || piratesPirate || low-sport-hh-piratesPirate Lyn