Orlando Pirates advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup ahead of Simba SC after winning 4-3 on penalties in a drama-filled evening at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
Pirates headed into the second leg needing to overturn the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the Benjamin Mkapa last week which was remembered mostly for coach Mandla Ncikazi’s outburst after the game.
The Buccaneers coach accused Simba of hostile treatment during their week in Tanzania and alleged that VAR was not working, resulting in their victory via a penalty from Shomari Kapombe.
And before the return leg, the allegations between Ncikazi and Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez showed no signs of slowing down which clearly filtered into the tie of high emotions in Orlando.
First, there was a little incident, similar to what Pirates experienced as Simba players looked to enter the stadium at the wrong entrance – but a member of Pirates staff quickly made sure there was no drama as they were allowed to enter.
A bit of a scuffle as 🇹🇿 Simba arrive ahead of the 2nd leg quarter-final.
🌍 #TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/AHhf9q1h3y
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) April 24, 2022
But when Simba’s players entered the field ahead of their warm-ups there was a bit of confusion as they seemingly burned the pitch during their pre-match prayer but the action was not limited to the off the field drama.
Pirates pushed forward with attacking vigour that was clearly inspired by their supporters returning to the stadium for the first time since March 2020, it appeared like the Buccaneers of old but their lack of end product was lacking as the opening half ended frustratingly at 0-0.
The thousands of Simba fans who came out to support their side tried to rally the visitors in the second half, but the task was made an uphill battle in a moment of complete madness which turned the tie on its head.
Crispin Mugalu saw a red card upon VAR reviewing through referee Bernard Camile after a challenge on Olisa Ndah which sparked an outburst that eventually saw a member of the Pirates technical team also sent off.
Barely a minute later Kwame Peprah levelled matters to send the Buccaneers faithful into ecstasy as the game was levelled at 1-1 and level on aggregate as both scored goals at home.
Pirates pushed for the winner with 24 shots at goal while Simba looked to hold out until full-time and it proved that way as the tie went to penalties which Pirates secured the win as Simba missed two spot-kicks.
