Orlando Pirates survived a scare by Dondol Stars after beating the ABC Motsepe League side on penalties to book their ticket for the Nedbank Cup semi-final.
Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side Dondol Stars’ fairy tale run in the Nedbank Cup almost continued as they put up another good challenge against a professional side, this time Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Stars dragged the Buccaneers to extra time after the match had ended 1-1 in regular time.
Kermit Erasmus came off the bench and assisted Thembinkosi Lorch who scored the opener in the 55th minute from the left but the celebrations were short-lived as three minutes later Stars won a corner kick, which Tebogo Makungo headed home to level.
Makungo had been denied a penalty earlier in the first half after it appeared he was pulled down by Paseka Mako but the referee was having none of it.
Pirates enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but missed chances in the first half and in the second one.
Jose Riveiro’s men intensified pressure late in the second half with Nkosinathi Sibisi being denied by the upright in the 80th minute.
Mako also had a shot from distance but it was too easy for the keeper three minutes later.
Bandile Shandu had a great opportunity to steal the victory for Pirates deep in injury time with a marvellous shot but Sphamndla Gumede pulled an incredible save to keep Stars in the game.
Dondol took Pirates all the way to penalties but missed their fifth spot-kick, while Pirates scored five out of five to secure their spot in the last four of the competition.
