Stubborn Dondol pay the penalty as Pirates reach Cup semi-finals

Orlando Pirates had to rely on penalties to make it into the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after they struggled to overcome ABC Motsepe League side Dondol Stars at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

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A stubborn Dondol outfit took Pirates all they way to the penalty shootout after the sides played to a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Bucs won the shootout 5-4 to reach the semifinals of the Ke Yona Cup.

Pirates’ first threat at goal would come in the eighth minute, but Monnapule Saleng’s shot was blocked by the Dondol defence. 

A few minutes later, the hosts managed to get into the Bucs box, but the Buccaneers goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was quick to react to keep out the danger. 

As the game progressed with the Soweto giants still unable to unlock the Dondol defence, the third tier side grew in confidence as they started to enjoy a bit of ball possession.

At the half-hour mark, Kabelo Dlamini was presented with an opportunity to shoot at goal, but he was quickly stopped by the home side’s defence. 

Just before the break, Dondol had a good opportunity to take the lead, but Tyson Phatlane’s attempt went just wide as the teams went into half-time break with the score still goalless. 

It didn’t take long for Pirates to open the scoring from the resumption of the match, with Lorch slotting the ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute. 

But, that lead didn’t last long as Dondol levelled matters two minutes later with a good header by Tebogo Makungo, making the game more exciting. 

As time progressed, there seemed to be a lot of desperation from the two teams to get a second goal, especially Pirates, but Dondol were very solid at the back. 

Bucs almost went into the lead in the 80th minute, but they were denied by the upright, while Lorch’s attempt went over the bar. 

In additional minutes, Bucs had a promising attack which saw Bandile Shandu attempt a curling shot, but he was denied by Dondol goalkeeper Sphamandla Gumede, who made a great save as the game went into extra-time. 

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Still though, both sides didn’t manage to find the winning goal in both periods of extra-time, with Pirates creating a number of chances, but Gumede continued to make some fine saves, while Lorch missed a glorious opportunity from close range, leaving the game to be concluded on penalties.  

During the spot-kicks, the Buccaneers scored all of their penalties, while Chaine saved Whitehead Nameka’s attempt and Sandile Mthethwa scored the last one for Pirates to win the match 5-4.