Pirates’ last-gasp plunder

Just when it seemed Orlando Pirates would lose their grip on the MTN8 title they won last year, they produced an astonishing comeback on Sunday to make certain the R8-million trophy remains theirs to lose.

A late Bongani Ndulula-converted penalty ensured the Buccaneers beat Mamelodi Sundowns at a near-capacity Orlando Stadium, the manner of victory telling the story of a Pirates side again full of competence and, evidently, a never-say-die attitude.

Sundowns are not by any means out of contention for a place in the September 10 MTN8 final, with the second leg of this semi-final taking place in Pretoria on Sunday, after the Brazilians scored two crucial away goals here.

In truth, however, Sundowns should not be returning to Tshwane with merely the hope of proceeding to the final with the help of their first-half goals here: They were in the driving seat after just 19 minutes, Katlego Mphela and Musa Nyatama having handed them a dream start.

The Brazilians, however, paid a heavy price for a surprisingly cautious, defeatist approach in the second half, during which they didn’t create even a single scoring chance, while their hosts added to Thulasizwe Mbuyane’s first-half opener through goals from Tlou Segolela and Ndulula.

Man-of-the-match Segolela also had the ball in the net just at the beginning of the second half, only to be flagged for offside, much to the chagrin of the Pirates supporters who thought the decision was incorrect.

But a stunning performance for the entire second period ensured the Ghost could depart Orlando in celebration, some even remaining behind to dance to loud music inside the stadium.

Yet this scene of jubilation for Pirates had appeared unlikely, after Sundowns had, for the first time under Johan Neeskens, played with some authority.

They suffered an early setback as Mbuyane – having been set up by Benni McCarthy in his first Pirates start – turned in the Sundowns box and beat Wayne Sandilans with a low, left-foot shot that had the ball nestling into the net off the upright.

Sundowns responded on the quarter-hour mark, after Lebohang Mokoena surged past Lucas Thwala on the right flank and entered the Pirates penalty area.

It was from there where Mokoena cleverly induced a tackle from Lucky Lekgwathi, leaving referee Buyile Gqubule no option but to award a penalty, which Mphela took. The Bafana striker’s attempt was, however, well-saved by Moeneeb Josephs, but, always alert, Mphela gathered the rebound to draw his team level. Four minutes later, the Tshwane side were deservedly ahead, with arguably the best goal of an exhilarating afternoon. It all started in the middle of the park when Teko Modise released Elias Pelembe with a delightful ball on the left. The Mozambican sent an inch-perfect cross for Nyatama, positioned inside the Bucs penalty area, who volleyed in first time past Josephs.

Orlando fell into silence as the bright yellow of Sundowns became the more vocal, dominant colour, but you always sensed Pirates were never out of it.

Julio Leal’s team put their opponents under pressure, with Sundowns requiring a brilliant headed clearance by Punch Masenamela on the goalline to deny Happy Jele a goal.

It got worse for Sundowns in a second half where, if truth is to be told, there was only one team in it. Segolela sent the first warning by hammering the ball past Sandilands just seconds after the restart, but an assistant referee’s raised flag meant Sundowns were still ahead as the goal was disallowed.

Deplorably, Neeskens then instructed his team to defend their lead, rather than seek to commit more men forward. They were made to pay dearly, as Segolela thundered in a legitimate goal on 79 minutes after he had been set up by Ndulula.

A 2-2 draw would have been an acceptable result for a Sundowns team who had lost twice in this venue last year, but Segolela ensured a third defeat was certain when he won a penalty in the dying minutes, forcing Surprise Moriri into a needless tackle. Ndulula duly converted, confirming a major turnaround for Pirates, who will now travel to Loftus this weekend knowing a draw would send them to the final.