POLL: Who was your man of the match for Bucs?
Most semi-finals are cautious affairs, but the CAF Confederation Cup second leg in Egypt was a seven-goal thriller as Pirates became the first PSL club to reach the Final of this competition thanks to a magnificent team effort.
Ovono 6
Ovono made a couple of very good saves, but did not always inspire confidence. He was left badly exposed for Malick Evouna’s two goals, but in each instance he then made the wrong decision (for the first, he charged out and slipped, making Evouna’s job easier; for the second, he could not decide whether to stay or come out and punch). It must be stressed that Ovono’s defenders let him down on both times.
Matlaba 7
Playing at right-back, he was hard-working, tireless, and – most importantly – more disciplined than usual. He showed great perseverance, excellent anticipation and a very cool head to score the crucial third goal. Partly to blame for the first Ahly goal, however, as the Pirates defence was caught square.
Mahamutsa 7
The veteran centre-back stood tall and strong all game, although, like his centre-back partner, was occasionally caught out by the hosts’ quick, direct style. He compensated for this with some stirring tackles.
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Gcaba 6
Less influential than Mahamutsa, but stuck to his task and covered for Matlaba when the wing-back went on the charge. Offered important aerial presence.
Jele 5
The captain looked off the pace and was forced to dive in wildly a couple of times, earning an early booking. He was at fault for the first goal, stepping back to play Evouna onside, but he grew into the game to put in an improved second-half performance.
Ntshumayelo 6
Worked hard and tackled like a tiger (receiving a yellow card), but at times he was dominated by opponents who controlled the midfield for much of the first hour. Was replaced by Sarr in the 72nd minute.
Masalesa 6
Like Ntshumayelo, he was at times swamped in midfield as Ahly attacked confidently, but he was also important in Pirates' attempts to keep the tempo down.
Makola 7
Makola had some bright moments on the right, and worked hard in tandem with Matlaba, chasing back when the hosts threatened.
Myeni 5
He worked hard and maintained discipline, but did not provide enough threat and was replaced by Rakhale in the 57th minute.
Gabuza 7
At times a little lost as the game passed him by, but he ran his socks off as the hosts attempted to build up from deep. This paid off as Al Ahly began to make errors that Pirates could capitalise on. What a powerful run and shot for his (deflected) goal! That turned the tie inexorably Pirates’ way.
Majoro 5
Major tried but was often isolated as Gabuza dropped deep. Replaced by Erasmus after 56 minutes.
Erasmus 8
Game-changer! With his first touch after coming on he produced a superb strike to give Pirates the critical first away goal and knock the confidence out of Al Ahly. Was always a threat and his presence was a key reason for Pirates’ four-goal second half.
Rakhale 8
Another game-changer! Came off the bench to immediately swing in a great cross that was weakly headed out … straight to the lurking Erasmus. Capped a stunning Pirates performance with a cool finish deep into time added on to win the game.
Sarr 6
Not at his dominating best, he was forced to make a number of fouls. But his fresh legs and commanding presence was important as the hosts tried desperately to regain control.
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