SSU Into Top 8, Pirates Out Of CAF

Orlando Pirates will not play in any CAF competition next season after losing 2-0 to SuperSport United, while Matsatsansa sneaked into the top 8.

Andre Arendse’s men did exactly what they needed to keep their impressive top 8 record alive, having now finished inside the top 8 in every season since 1999/00.

SSU beat the Buccaneers 2-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday night, moving ahead of Lamontville Golden Arrows on goal difference.

SuperSport came out the quickest by nearly scoring a corner in the first minute, the attempt was mistimed by DStv Young Player of the Season, Luke Fleurs. Soon after Kwame Peprah had a shot which ballooned over the bar in the third minute. 

The Buccaneers then went on to control the majority of the next phase, while the hosts were sitting deep.

But somewhat against the run of play SuperSport scored from a corner taken by Aubrey Ngoma and turned into his own goal at the near post by Fortune Makaringe in the 20th minute. Seconds after this Iqraam Rayners squandered a great chance to make it 2-0. 

Peprah turned well in the box and had a good chance to level the tie but he hit the upright in the 30th minute before Kabelo Dlamini saw a shot going past the goal six minutes later.

Space was found by Thembinkosi Lorch who delivered a perfect cross but Deon Hotto but the winger arrived slightly late to convert in the 43rd minute. A minute later Peprah conjured up another chance that sailed over the bar. 

The second half started off with a clearance off the line by Kegan Johannes in the 49th minute following a Peprah header. Lorch puts a free-kick into the box but it was defended well by Fleurs and Co. in the 56th minute. 

The ball was put past SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams but the equaliser was correctly ruled offside in the 58th minute. 

In the 65th minute Thamsanqa Gabuza broke through on goal and was pushed in the penalty box by Happy Jele, who was given his marching orders, while SSU received a penalty.

The spot-kick was taken by Gamphani Lungu and saved by Pirates’ Richard Ofori, however, the Assistant referee flagged for retake due to Ofori being off his line. The second attempt was smashed away by Lungu in the 69th minute, making it 2-0 to Matsatsantsa.

The home side Brough the victory home, ensuring a top 8 finish on Monday evening, while it also means that Royal AM have qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup.