Royal AM vs Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates lead Royal AM 1-0 at halftime of their DStv Premiership clash at the Chatsworth S...

Royal AM had the attacking momentum in the closing stages and Thabo Matlaba came close to snatching the equaliser in the last 12 minutes with a cracking shot from outside the box that sailed slightly over the crossbar. Royal AM had a big chance to level matters a couple of minutes later after a deflection fell on the path of Sera Motebang clear on goal in the box but he guided his shot over the crossbar. The Buccaneers had the perfect start after Vincent Pule opened the scoring in the first three minutes with a well drilled left-footed strike into the bottom corner after Royal AM failed to clear.

Orlando Pirates begin their campaign for this season's MTN8 when they clash with Royal AM in a quarter-final match at Chatsworth Stadium.

It will also be the second time this season for the two sides to meet this season after they clashed in a league game last week. Interestingly, Kobedi was red-carded when Royal AM hosted Pirates last week and he returns just in time to face the same opponents. But it is still a difficult road for Pirates who first have to see off Royal AM to reach the semi-finals, before navigating past that stage and then worrying about the final.

Orlando Pirates advanced to the semi-finals of the MTN8 after an impressive quarter-final victory over Royal AM in Chatsworth on Saturday.

The hosts would’ve felt a slight change of fortune as another mix-up left Pule face to face with Ricardo Nascimento. Vincent Pule was most alert as he pounced on a loose ball after miscommunication at the back from the hosts. For Royal AM, it was a matter of kicking on from their victory in the previous match and Andre De Jong, together with Motebang Sera, looked to pose a threat for Thwihli Thwahla up front.

SportsBrief.com News ☆ Orlando Pirates became the second team to reach this season's MTN 8 semifinals, defeating Royal AM 2-1 in a classic cup tie at the ...

So, for players, when the going gets tough, they will hide, some will think maybe they are not good enough to be here." The Amakhosi are now seven years without having won any silverware, which is the longest in the club's history, something he reckons weighs them down psychologically and mentally. James Monyane then doubled the lead in the 55th minute after a gaffe by Thwihli Thwahla

Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela clears ball from Mfundo Thikazi of Royal AM during their MTN8 quarterfinal match at the Chatsworth Stadium, Chatsworth on ...

Orlando Pirates have put themselves into the semifinals of the MTN8 after they defeated hosts Royal AM 2-1 at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday evening.

The match also concluded on something of a sour note, with both Goodman Mosele and Ndlovu being sent off in injury time for an unnecessary scuffle. The Buccaneers joined AmaZulu in the final four thanks to a hard-working performance, led by goals from Vincent Pule and Thabiso Monyane. Pirates got off to a flying start and claimed the lead in just the third minute of the match: Deon Hotto’s high press resulted in a turn over of possession, with the ball falling kindly for Vincent Pule and he duly drove home a low, left-footed shot to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Orlando Pirates are through to the semi-finals of the MTN8 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Royal AM at the Chatsworth Stadium.

On the other hand, Pirates were more intense and quick to get to their opponents penalty area. A mistake resulted in the ball falling on the path of Pule who rifled home from a tight angle. There was no quarter given and as early as the 20th minute, the referee had already flashed four yellow cards, three to the home side and one to the Buccaneers.

Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela clears ball from Mfundo Thikazi of Royal AM during their MTN8 quarterfinal match at the Chatsworth Stadium, Chatsworth on ...