MTN 8: Chaine’s penalty heroics send Orlando Pirates past Mamelodi Sundowns

Sipho Chaine stole the spotlight on Saturday as defending champions Orlando Pirates dumped Mamelodi Sundowns out of the MTN 8 semifinals with a penalty kick shootout victory after playing to a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

Chaine saved Sundowns’ first two penalty kicks while the Bucs went a perfect 4-for-4 to deliver a clutch performance away from home. In form attacker Kamogelo Sebelebele leveled the aggregate score at 2-2 in the second half for his third goal in three games, setting the stage for Chaine to stymie Sundowns in the shootout.

After earning a 1-1 result at Orlando Stadium in the first leg last weekend, it seemed that Sundowns would proceed to finish the job at home. The early signs were positive with Iqraam Rayners putting the hosts ahead 2-1 on aggregate after collecting a blocked shot and finishing past Chaine in the 17th minute.

However, the reigning Betway Premiership champions’ attack stalled once again after a hectic week that saw star Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro tear up his contract in an ongoing dispute as he tries to force his way out of the club. Masandawana failed to seize their advantage and allowed Pirates to hang around.

The match remained even with Pirates increasing their level after halftime and they were rewarded. In the 73rd minute, the Sundowns defense wilted in the face of a quick Pirates attack and Oswin Appollis’ cross was nodded down by Tshegofatso Mabasa to the goal mouth where Sebelebele bundled in the equalizer.

Penalties were needed after ninety minutes and Chaine, a backup on the South Africa national team, outdueled Bafana Bafana #1 Ronwen Williams with two splendid stops from Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende on Sundowns’ first two attempts. Deon Hotto, Abdoulaye Mariko, former Sundowns player Sipho Mbule and Mabasa each converted their attempts to finish the job.

Pirates now await the winner of Saturday’s second semifinal, where Stellenbosch FC travel to face Sekhukhune United for the second leg after earning a 2-0 advantage in the first leg at home.