In a thrilling Nedbank Cup final that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last minute, Orlando Pirates emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers staged a remarkable comeback, securing their second consecutive Nedbank Cup title and denying Sundowns the domestic treble.
Orlando Pirates Become Back to Back Nedbank Cup Champions
The match, held at a packed Mbombela Stadium, showcased the fierce rivalry and high stakes that have become synonymous with encounters between these two South African football giants. Mamelodi Sundowns, having already clinched the African Football League and the Premier Soccer League titles, were seeking to complete a historic treble. However, Orlando Pirates, determined to defend their Nedbank Cup crown, had other plans.
The opening exchanges were characterized by a tense midfield battle, with both teams displaying a cautious approach. Sundowns, known for their possession-based style of play, gradually asserted their dominance, creating a few half-chances but failing to truly test the Pirates’ goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Sundowns’ talismanic midfielder, Themba Zwane, found the back of the net with a clinical finish. Zwane, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, showcased his predatory instincts, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and slotting it past the despairing Pirates’ keeper.
Sundowns’ joy, however, was short-lived. The momentum shifted in the 71st minute when Orlando Pirates were awarded a penalty after an incident in the Sundowns’ box. Up stepped the young striker, Maswanganyi, who confidently dispatched the spot-kick, sending the Sundowns’ goalkeeper the wrong way and igniting the Pirates’ faithful in the stands.
The equalizer injected renewed energy into the Pirates’ ranks, and they began to push forward with greater urgency. Sundowns, on the other hand, seemed to lose their composure, struggling to regain control of the midfield and create meaningful attacking opportunities. Their cause was not helped by the fact that their influential defender, Mudau, was playing through a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the match.
As the clock ticked down, the tension inside the stadium reached fever pitch. Both teams threw caution to the wind, searching for the elusive winning goal. It was Orlando Pirates who would have the final say in dramatic fashion. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, a swift counter-attack caught Sundowns’ defense off guard, and Mofokeng, the Pirates’ substitute striker, found himself with space and time in the box after a Pirates’ freekick attempt. He calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, sending the Pirates’ fans into delirium.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Pirates’ players and supporters, who celebrated their team’s remarkable comeback and hard-fought victory. For Mamelodi Sundowns, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, as their dreams of a domestic treble were shattered in the dying moments of the match.
The Nedbank Cup final will be remembered as a classic encounter, full of drama, tension, and ultimately, triumph for Orlando Pirates. It showcased the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of perseverance, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Maswanganyi and Mofokeng, the unlikely heroes for Pirates, will forever be etched in the club’s folklore, while Sundowns will rue their missed opportunity to make history.
Also read: Nedbank Cup Final: Buccaneers vs Brazilians A Thrilling Journey (1 June 2024)
