Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 final on the away-goal rule after losing the second leg 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday afternoon.
Pirates had Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thabang Monare Monare out with injury following the loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, but started James Monyane, Sandile Mthethwa in defence and welcomed Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo back from suspension.
The Buccaneers trailed the visitors midway inside the first half when Iqraam Rayners got on the end of a second-ball outside the area and picked out the bottom-corner with a deflected shot.
Tapelo Xoki should’ve put the Buccaneers level through a first-time header from a well-weighted corner, but the centre-back went over much to the crowd’s anguish.
There was more work for the Maroons ten minutes ahead of halftime which saw goalkeeper Sage Stephens called to palm Deon Hotto’s curling free-kick behind for a corner-kick.
Right at the other end, Rayners came within inches of a brace from an identical angle to the opener after getting a yard of the centre-halves in the area but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine closed the gap.
Both teams produced changes before the second half, as the Buccaneers saw Monnapule Saleng withdrawn for Lesedi Kapinga to Nhlanhla Mgaga replacing Antonio Van Wyk for the visitors.
Stellies continued to believe a while later and managed to have a go at the Sea Robbers through runs in the channels by Devon Titus and Jayden Adams.
However, the Buccaneers kept cool heads over the closing quarter and were close to the leveller when Zakhele Lepasa tossed and turned in the area before forcing Stephens to a finger-tip save.
Pirates continued to go forward and threatened again in the last two minutes courtesy of substitute Evidence Makgopa’s first-time shot at the back-post.
The Buccaneers didn’t manage to get the equaliser, but still progressed to the final on the away-goal and will face Mamelodi Sundowns on October 7.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Xoki, Mthethwa, Monyane, Mako, Baloni, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Hotto, Maswanganyi, Lepasa
Subs: Ofori, Erasmus, Mofokeng, Sesane, Shandu, Kimvuidi, Kapinga, Makgopa, Timm
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Moloisane, Sibande, Jurgens, Mcaba, Palace, Adams, Nduli, Van Wyk, Rayners, Titus
Subs: Langeveldt, Mphahlele, De Kock, De Jong, Mgaga, Sekgota, Mini, Oura, Boji
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