On Sunday, Orlando Pirates were crowned MTN8 champions for the second
consecutive season after defeating rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties
at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The game started off with a bang, as Themba Zwane had a big chance to
give the Brazilians the lead in the first five minutes from a mistake by
Pirates, but goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a crucial save in a one-on-one.
Both sides had a couple of half-chances in the latter stages, but neither
were able to capitalize as they went to the break deadlocked. Sundowns
were more dominant after the break, as they held Pirates in their own half
but they could not get the right final pass.
Jose Riveiro reacted with a double change 18 minutes before time, as
Karim Kimvuidi and Relebohile Mofokeng were introduced for fresh legs and
for tactical reasons in attack.
Marcelo Allende came close to snatching the lead for the Brazilians eight
minutes before time after he had a strike unmarked in the box that was
saved in the bottom corner by Chaine.
In extra-time, both sides withdrew their remaining strikers, with
Shalulile replaced by Bongani Zungu for Sundowns while Kapinga came on for
Kermit Erasmus for the Buccaneers against his former side, in tactical
changes.
Junior Mendieta found the back of the net for the Brazilians two minutes
before time with a strike unmarked in the box, but the goal was disallowed
for offside in the build-up and the sides went to a penalty shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Chaine was the hero for Pirates after he saved three
successive penalties before Karim Kimvuidi netted the decisive spot-kick
for the Buccaneers.
This victory saw Orlando Pirates claim their second consecutive MTN8
title and become the first South African club to achieve this feat.
