The enthralling match-up between the two rivals reached the end of regulation time with the two sides still deadlocked at two goals apiece on aggregate. This was after the previous leg played at Orlando Stadium followed a similar script with the Buccaneers fighting back from a goal down to salvage a draw.

With things still in the balance heading into the decider in Atteridgeville, a tentative approach was adopted at both ends for the best part of the first period with clear-cut chances at goal kept to a minimum. The first 15 minutes went by with neither side posing a significant threat to the opposition goal as both defensive units held firm.

The home side was however able to edge ahead just 17 minutes in, capitalising on Pirates’ failure to produce a clearance inside their penalty area. Following some pressure inside the Bucs box, Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners produced the definitive touch when he latched onto the rebound from a shot blocked by defender Lebone Seema before guiding the ball past the diving Sipho Chaine into the net.

That handed the hosts an advantage in the tie, with the Buccaneers needing to find the net twice for an outright win. However, not much changed in their pursuit for the equaliser as the Brazilians continued to keep things tight at the back.

Crosses delivered into the box by Seema and Relebohile Mofokeng failed to connect with their intended targets. Kamogelo Sebelebele later joined in the act, but the result was similar as the home side’s defence remained alert to their visitors’ threat from the flanks.

The visitors’ frustrating spell lasted throughout the remainder of the first period, with Sundowns maintaining their lead heading into the break.

Pirates’ efforts at drawing level after the break continued to meet some resistance, despite a more spirited approach in the second half. They nearly faced an uphill battle in their bid to claw their way back as Rayners nearly made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot at goal, only to be denied by the upright.

Thalente Mbatha replied moments later with a long-range attempt at goal, and could only manage to force a save from Ronwen Williams.

The shots kept flying in at both ends as Chaine had to make a similar stop on the opposite side to deny Matthews.

With 13 minutes of regulation time remaining, it was a case of deja vu for the home side as they relinquished a lead for the second week running. Sebelebele was again the main with the finishing touch, capitalising on some sloppy defensive work before directing the ball into the net for his third goal in as many starts for Pirates, his second in two games against the Tshwane Giants.

The Soweto Giants threatened in the dying moments as they looked to steal a winner, while their opponents also tasked them with some defensive work late on. Neither could prevent the looming lottery of the penalty shootout, as things ended with nothing to separate the two sides.

Hotto’s experience shone through during the spot kicks as he easily slotted past Williams to put Pirates ahead, while Chaine guessed correctly to deny Teboho Mokoena who took Sundowns’ first penalty of the afternoon.

That was the first of two saves by the Bucs shot-stopper during the shootout, who also kept out Marcello Allende’s penalty. Abdoulaye Mariko and Sipho Mbule meanwhile slotted home to give the visitors a handy advantage.

Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba managed to breach the 28-year-old’s defences, but that proved to be a little too late as Tshegofatso Mabasa ensured a 4-1 win to the Buccaneers in the shootout.

It was yet another triumph in the semis for the Soweto Giants, who maintained their healthy record in the tournament against their Tshwane counterparts while remaining on track for an unprecedented fourth straight title.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Sebelebele, Hotto, Nduli (Mariko 62’), Mbatha (Mbule 86’), Maswanganyi (Shandu 39’), Mofokeng, Appollis (Kwayiba 86’), Makgopa (Mabasa 62’).

Following a thrilling opening leg at Orlando Stadium, there will be another sold-out affair in the highly-anticipated encounter in Atteridgeville. This is after the two Gauteng rivals played to an entertaining 1-1 draw amid the electrifying atmosphere in Soweto last Saturday.

The intensity is not expected to let up in what is a massive knockout fixture between two sides clashing in what is undoubtedly the biggest match-up so far in the 2025/26 season.

The Opposition

Sundowns carry a slim advantage heading into the deciding leg after bagging a crucial away goal at Orlando Stadium. This means a clean sheet in Atteridgeville will guarantee them a spot in the final, placing them a step closer to their first MTN8 title since 2021.

They go into the match having picked up some momentum via a 2-0 win away to Magesi in the Betway Premiership in midweek. The victory at Sheshego Stadium was their second consecutive league win and their third in all competitions since the start of the season.

They remain unbeaten, having drawn twice in five matches played. The Brazilians have maintained a good defensive record throughout the campaign, only conceding two goals so far. They have been just as effective at the other end of the pitch, where they have found the net eight times.

A key cog in their attacking play will however be missing as they gear up to face the Buccaneers in Saturday’s decisive clash. Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane was withdrawn early during the first leg in Soweto after pulling up injury and is set for an extended spell in the sidelines.

There will be no shortage in options for coach Miguel Cardoso, who resumes his search for a first cup title since taking over the reins midway through the previous season.

Bucs Team News

Much like their next opponents, Pirates collected three league points in their recent midweek assignment. They defeated fellow MTN8 semifinalists Stellenbosch 1-0 at Orlando Stadium to register their first Betway Premiership points this season.

It was their first win since their season opener against Polokwane City and a result which signalled a turnaround in results that the Buccaneers so desperately needed after a rough spell at the start of their campaign where they suffered two consecutive losses in the lead-up to the first-leg stalemate against the Tshwane Giants.

Now unbeaten in their last two matches across competitions, they will be aiming to register back-to-back wins for the first time in the ongoing campaign with a victory that will secure a spot in the MTN8 final for the fourth year running.

They head into the fixture not without fresh injury worries, with right-back Deano van Rooyen ruled out of the trip to Atteridgeville. The 28-year-old was stretchered off during the opening 20 minutes in midweek, and will undergo further assessments to determine the extent of his injury.

His absence guarantees further tweaks to the Bucs back four ahead of the match which represents another stern test to their ongoing impressive run in the competition.

Head-to-Head

Last Saturday’s stalemate extended Pirates’ unbeaten streak in the competition against Sundowns to six matches, and was the third draw in the semis since 2011. The last time the two sides could not be separated after the first leg, the Buccaneers went on to claim an impressive 3-0 win in the away leg and booked their spot in the 2022 final.

The Soweto Giants have maintained a decent cup record over their Tshwane counterparts in recent years, who have eliminated them just once over the past 15 years. They have registered five outright victories in the process, and were also triumphant in the only match decided by penalties during this period.

Two of these victories have been away from home, and they will aim for more of the same on their visit to Atteridgeville.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00 with the match broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. You can also follow the action as it happens by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms.

Tickets are sold out.