Orlando Pirates have successfully defended the MTN8 title after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalties after the final ended goalless at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
The two teams could not be separated after 120 minutes at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Pirates goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine literally took matters into his own hands in the penalty shootout when he saved three penalties from Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta and Teboho Mokoena. Ironically, Chaine was last week substituted in favour of Richard Ofori in their penalty shootout against Jwaneng in the CAF champions league, Ofori went on to concede all five penalties.
Sundowns created the first chance of the match in the opening five minutes with Peter Shalulile racing onto a stray pass before setting up captain Themba Zwane, who was denied by the alert Chaine.
Then, Pirates had a chance in the 10th minute after a mistake from Ronwen Williams gifted them an indirect free-kick inside the box, however Thapelo Xoki’s attempt bounced off a well positioned wall.
Pirates were forced into an early injury forced substitute when centre back Nkosinathi Sibisi was replaced by Nigerian Olisa Ndah with 12 minutes left to halftime.
Both teams created opportunities to win the game in 90 minutes but with no goals scored, extra-time followed.
Sundowns could have had a penalty in the opening 5 minutes of extra-time after Chaine dropped the ball and looked to have fouled substitute Lebohang Maboe trying to recover the ball, however the referee, Abongile Tom instead blew for a foul on Pirates goalkeeper to the dismay of Sundowns bench.
Mendieta thought he had won the final for Sundowns when he scored from close range with two minutes left, but the assistant referee’s flag was up for an offside in the phase before the goal.
With 120 minutes played, it was left to the lottery of penalties to decide the champion, and it was Chaine who decided to be the last man standing.
Written by: Diski Voice
