Orlando Pirates qualified for the MTN8 semi-final after beating Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium 2-1 on Saturday evening.
Pirates scored early after a mistake in the Royal AM defence, with Vincent Pule striking with a well-placed shot in the far corner.
Eva Nga had a huge chance to make it 2-0 after 14 minutes but his shot was saved Xolani Ngcobo. In the same attack, Ricardo Nascimento was lucky to get away with just a yellow card after pulling Pule as last men in the build-up to Bienvenu Eva Nga’s chance.
Just two minutes later, Motebang Serra should’ve equalised for the home side but his shot from close range flew over the bar.
Zakhele Lepasa had a double chance to make it 2-0 but his first attempt was blocked, while his shot from the rebound missed the target after 34 minutes.
Royal AM had a chance to equalise just before half-time but a free-kick by Nascimento from the edge of the box got deflected and missed the target.
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Pirates eventually made it 2-0 in the 55th minute after a massive goalkeeping error by Ngcobo who let a shot by Thabiso Monyane slip over over the line.
Just two minutes later, Royal AM pulled one back when Shaune Mogaila converted a rebound off the post after Thabo Matlaba’s initial shot had hit the upright.
Thabo Matlaba had a decent attempt on goal in the 77th minute but his shot from range flew over the bar. The Buccaneers should’ve had a penalty in the 83rd minute after substitute Paseka Mako was brought down in the box but the match official waved play on.
There was drama in the final minute of injury time, with Goodman Mosele and Ndlovu being sent off by the referee.
Pirates have become the second site to book their MTN8 semi-final ticket after AmaZulu beat Cape Town City in extra-time earlier.
