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Zakhele Lepasa (Gallo Images)
Orlando Pirates claimed their first major title in six years when the Soweto giants overcame Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in an exciting MTN8 finale at the famous Moses Mabhida Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED | Bloemfontein Celtic 1-2 Orlando Pirates
Celtic took an early shock lead through Siphelele Luthuli when he edged out Richard Ofori from close range.
But the game soon took a turn when Thabang Monare received a yellow card for an unexpected clash with Tebogo Potsane and minutes later was replaced by returnee Thembikosi Lorch due to injury.
That brief stop allowed Celtic a much-needed respite and shortly thereafter they nearly doubled their lead after a quick move from Khethokwakhe Masuku.
The midfielder found space outside of the Pirates’ penalty area and involved Ndumiso Mabena with a one-two move, but was too late at the receiving end to get the ball into the back of the net.
The pirates continued to increase the pace in the attack and their applied pressure paid off after a draw by Deon Hotto.
The Celtic defense was unable to focus after a cross pass from a dead ball situation and allowed the former Bidvest Wits forward to grab a ball.
Hotto made no mistake when he sent goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane down the wrong path when the score was tied.
Siwelele got back on the front foot when Ofori made a textbook save to kill Lantshene Phalane’s fizzy shot from a 40-yard free throw.
Before the half-time whistle, Zakhele Lepasa slipped in for a deep pass, but his effort went through the far post.
The second half couldn’t have started any worse for Celtic, as Ronald Pfumbidzai received a red card after knocking Lorch down in the penalty area while wrapping his arm around his neck.
A penalty that was called correctly but questionable if the expulsion of Pfumbidzai was the correct decision.
Lorch made no mistake from the penalty spot as the Buccaneers took the lead with just under forty minutes to go, while Celtic played the remainder of the match with 10 men.
The Pirates were looking to increase their lead as Lepasa had a chance to bring the Pirates their third goal, but was unable to organize as Mabokgwane collected the ball with ease in the penalty area.
A spirited John Maduka urged many of his men to seek the tie with the final whistle approaching.
However, the Buccaneers soaked up all the pressure from Siwelele in the final moments and stood their ground to clinch the MTN8 title, their first silverware since the 2014 Nedbank Cup.
Teams:
Bloemfontein Celtic XI: Mabokgwane, Horses, Ngobeni, Baloyi, Pfumbidzai, Phalane, Masuku, Luthuli, Letsaolo, Mabena, Potsane.
Subs: Chaine, Mashikinya, Chabalala, Fikizolo, De Jongh, Mangweni, Sera, Tchilimbou, Lingwati.
Orlando Pirates XI: Ofori, Hlatshwayo, Nyauza, Jooste, Maela, Motshwari, Monare, Makaringe, Hotto, Pule, Lepasa.
Subs: Sandilands, Dzvukamanja, Mntambo, Mako, Zungu, Mabasa, Ndlovu, Mhango, Lorch.
