MTN8 quarter-finals: Pirates, Sundowns, Sekhukhune and Arrows reach last four

Orlando Pirates began their MTN8 title defence with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Durban City, while Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows also booked semi-final places.

The defending champions opened the quarter-final weekend with a hard-fought win at a sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. The match had added tension after Durban City captain Siphamandla Ncanana was quoted as saying that ‘Olando Pirates just being a name’.

Ncanana later explained that his comments had been taken out of context and that he had not intended to disrespect the Soweto club. He said he had been trying to motivate his team-mates not to fear Pirates during their penultimate match of last season, a goalless draw which denied the Buccaneers the points they needed to win the league title in front of their home supporters.

Pirates eventually secured the championship in their final match, beating Orbit College 2-0.

Against City, Patrick Maswanganyi put Orlando Pirates ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Tshepang Moremi had been fouled by Brooklyn Poggenpoel. Poggenpoel was then sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving coach Khali Ben Youssef’s side to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.

Durban City levelled five minutes after half-time. Bandile Shangu’s attacking move released Gaston Sirino inside the Pirates penalty area, and the former Kaizer Chiefs player crossed for Congolese striker Jean Lwamba to finish from close range without a Pirates player getting a touch.

Pirates had to wait until the final minute of extra time to find a winner. New signing Ghampani Lungu struck a shot which beat goalkeeper Fredrick Asare and sent Ezimnyama into the semi-finals. The match account also refers to a further City equaliser through a well-taken effort from the edge of the Pirates box, although no scorer is identified in that passage.

Sundowns also required extra time to overcome Polokwane City in a 4-2 quarter-final thriller. Two of their new signings, Antonio Van Wyk and returning player Cassius Mailula, made a decisive impact for the Brazilians.

Polokwane City took the lead in the sixth minute when Bonginkosi Dlamini punished Sundowns after they failed to clear a corner. Teboho Mokoena restored parity in the 20th minute, finishing inside the City box after receiving a cut-back from Van Wyk.

Van Wyk put Sundowns in front 10 minutes later, capitalising on a defensive mistake. Polokwane City responded in the 60th minute when Tidimalo Molokwane rounded Ronwen Williams before scoring after another unsuccessful clearance from a set-piece.

The game remained level at the end of 90 minutes, but Mailula combined with Themba Zwane before firing a low shot into the net with eight minutes of extra time remaining. The goal secured Sundowns’ passage to the last four.

Sekhukhune edge seven-goal thriller

AmaZulu FC and Sekhukhune United produced arguably the most entertaining quarter-final at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday, with Sekhukhune eventually winning 4-3 after extra time.

AmaZulu took the lead in the 13th minute when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya benefited from hesitation and poor communication between goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi and his defence. Usuthu would also have had a penalty appeal had the goal not been given, after Athini Maqokolo was fouled inside the box.

Sekhukhune equalised through Tshepo Mokoena, whose effort took a deflection off Taariq Fielies. Givemore Khupe then put the Limpopo-based side ahead in the 52nd minute after AmaZulu failed to clear their lines.

Ellis Rammala extended the visitors’ advantage a minute later with a superb strike. AmaZulu responded quickly, with Ngwenya heading home from a free header in the 55th minute.

Fielies completed the comeback two minutes later, finishing a move he had started inside the opposition penalty area. Neither side could find a winner during the rest of normal time, but Vuyo Letlapa broke the deadlock seven minutes into extra time to send Sekhukhune into the semi-finals.

Arrows eliminate Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs were the final quarter-final casualty, losing 1-0 to Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium.

Amakhosi created opportunities and looked the more likely side to score early, but they were unable to convert their chances. Khulekani Shezi scored the only goal of the contest in the 52nd minute, eliminating Kaizer Chiefs and securing Arrows’ place in the semi-finals.

Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United in the last four, while Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Golden Arrows. The dates and venues are yet to be confirmed by the League.

Following the MTN8 quarter-finals, supporters can now select their Team of the Week and compare their choices with the official Soccer Laduma selection.