Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro admits the Kermit Erasmus goal was a defining moment of their 3-0 MTN8 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Erasmus, who was allowed to leave Sundowns to return to Pirates upon terminating his contract at Masandawana opened the scoring after being teed up by Monnapule Saleng.
The goal sparked widespread debate on whether the ball went beyond the goal line before Saleng crossed it, with Manqoba Mngqithi slamming the decision to allow the goal.
“Obviously it was important [for Erasmus’ goal] to consolidate the plan to feel more confident to face the rest of the game, understanding that the value [of away] goals in this tournament, makes things difficult for the opponent when they need to score two [goals], we know we’re very strong defending,” Riveiro said in the post-match press conference.
“It’s not easy to create chances against Pirates nowadays, and when we are fully concentrated like tonight it’s a difficult mission for the opponent, so that goal obviously creates the confidence around the boys that it’s going to be our night.
“If we started in a different way, then you never know [how the game might go] but we started in the way we dream about.”
Pirates will now face AmaZulu in the final of the domestic cup competition at the start of next month at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
