Orlando Pirates have clinched the Nedbank Cup title with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United.
The Buccaneers managed to call on Thembinkosi Lorch back to the starting fold as, Kermit Erasmus and Terrence Dzvukamanja continued up top, while veteran Sibusiso Vilakazi was afforded a start by Sekhukhune.
Vilakazi haunted the Buccaneers on 12 minutes after he made the most of a loose clearance from Tapelo Xoki at the back and tucked into the bottom corner.
Pirates should've levelled a minute later through a first-time shot by Erasmus following a pin-point delivery by Monnapule Saleng, but the former dragged well wide of the mark.
The Soweto giants launched another scare around the midway point when a low cross from Paseka Mako coincided with Erasmus, who opened angle to see his shot deflect off the woodwork.
More forays from Pirates followed before halftime and they were rewarded after Victor Letsoalo appeared to handle in the area, which allowed Xoki to step up to send Badra Ali Sangare the wrong way to level matters.
The Limpopo-based side were first to make a substitution ahead of the second half, as midfielder Sammy Seabi needed to make way for Vusimuzi Mncube.
Babina Noko eagerly looked to regain the lead following the break through a snap-shot in the area from Vilakazi, but a timeous intervention denied the former Mamelodi Sundowns man.
Pirates staged a scare of their own though minutes apart when Erasmus dropped a shoulder on the edge of the box before dragging over the top.
With the likes of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Kabelo Dlamini on the field, the Buccaneers continued to fancy their chances against the outfit from Limpopo.
As the match seemed destined for extra-time, Pirates struck the winner at the death through a first-time finish at the near post from Dzvukamanja following Saleng's cross and handed the Soweto giants the victory and a second cup this season.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Monyane, Sibisi, Xoki, Mako, Monare, Timm, Saleng, Dzvukamanja, Lorch, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Maela, Mthethwa, Dlamini, Motshwari, Hotto, Ndlondlo, Eva Nga, Ratomo
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Ntiya-Ntiya, Cardoso, Gyimah, Mokotjo, Mokwana, Seabi, Ohizu, Vilakazi, Letsoalo
Subs: Mtsweni, Mkhabela, Zulu, Tshibwabwa, Mahlangu, Mashikinya, Mncube, Mabasa, MorrisYou must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.