Orlando Pirates huffed and puffed and were blown out of the Vodacom Challenge 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out by a well drilled TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic after the teams were level 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Pirates led 1-0 at halftime.
Pirates, the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions were poor value for the thousands of their supporters who witnessed a dull scrappy affair at the Mmbatho stadium on Sunday.
Pirates played with little direction or purpose and the only surprise was that it took Mazembe until the 86th minute to equalise and then send the match into the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
Mazembe will play Kaizer Chiefs in the final in Durban next Sunday while Bucs meet another DRC club Eloi Lupopo in the third place playoff.
The shoot-out became farcical when reserve Mazembe goalkeeper, Mayala Makweni, refused to return the ball after referee P Phomane had ordered a retake of a spot kick by Bucs Innocent Chikoya.
Makweni, who had replaced the injured Kadiaba Muteba in injury time in the second half, threw his toys and was eventually booked. But he went on to save Chokoya’s second effort after a lengthy stoppage.
But on the day the better side won. Pirates opted to defend after Lesley Manyathela had given them the lead via a 17th minute penalty.
The Buccaneers eventually ran out of luck when Kosanga Ngabdu headed home the late, but deserved equaliser.
Then Pirates substitute, Jimmy Kauleza, missed three golden chances to score late in the match and one realised that this was not going to be Pirates day.
Pirates also made a mess of their penalties going down 4-2. – Sapa