Nedbank Cup
Result: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Bloemfontein Celtic
Date: 22 April 2017
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Thamsanqa Gabuza struck in extra-time to hand Orlando Pirates a 2-1 win over Bloemfontein Celtic in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal.
The Buccaneers enjoyed most of the possession in the opening 15 minutes, although they struggled with their decision-making in the final third.
Musa Nyatama went close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute, but his curling effort from 25-yards out sailed inches wide of Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Pirates failed to make use of their possession in the first half, as they needlessly gave away possession on multiple occasions.
Celtic, meanwhile, were quite happy to sit back and catch the home side on the break, however they were restricted to long range efforts in the opening 45 minutes.
The sides went into the halftime break with score goalless, while Pirates were the only team to register an effort on target.
Pirates eventually broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, as Abbubaker Mobara latched onto a pass from Issa Sarr before firing a low effort past Patrick Tignyemb.
Celtic responded by introducing Ayanda Dlamini for Atusaye Nyondo, before Lyle Lakay squandered a good chance to level matters.
Kjell Jonevret opted for a change of his own on 70 minutes, as Tendai Ndoro, who had a quiet game, made way for Thamsanqa Gabuza.
Gabuza had a chance to double Pirates' lead in the 80th minute but the striker headed straight at Tignyemb from close range, following a cross from Thabo Rakhale.
Celtic then leveled matters in the 83rd minute as Kabelo Mahlasela was afford space and fired a low effort into the far corner from just inside the box.
However, the score remained 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, which forced the clash into extra-time.
Pirates the restored their lead in the 102nd minute, as Rakhale picked out Gabuza, who headed past Tignyemb from six-yards out.
Celtic pushed for an equaliser in the second half of extra-time, but Mahlasela squandered a glorious chance in the closings as Pirates held on for the win.
Here's how they lined up:
Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 2. Gcaba, 4. Jele, 8. Matlaba, 21. Phungwayo, Sarr, 20. Manyisa, 45. Mobara (Qalinge 95'), 25. Rakhale, 5. Makola (Nkosi 84'), 7. Ndoro (Gabuza 70').
Celtic: 30. Tignyemb, 4. Nyatama, 27. Ndengane, 7. Lakay, 6. Maruping, 5. Letlabika, 19. Mxoyana, 3. Dube, 11. Hotto (Zuma 67'), 8. Phalane, 9. Nyondo (Dlamini 56')
