Orlando Pirates beat Dondol Stars on penalties to reach Nedbank Cup semi-finals

The sides were tied at 1-1 after extra-time before the match was decided by spot-kicks.

The Buccaneers took control of the game from the start, pinning Dondol in their own half with their attacking prowess. Monnapule Saleng had an early chance to give Pirates the lead, but his shot was blocked after a skilful combination with Miguel Timm in the box.

Despite absorbing the pressure, Dondol found some breathing space after 20 minutes when Pirates' goalkeeper Siphamandla Gumede required medical attention. They launched a dangerous attack that resulted in a free-kick, but Pirates' resolute defence stood firm.

Pirates continued to dominate the first-half, and Terrence Dzvukamanja had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock just before the interval, but his shot in the box was off target. The game hung in the balance as Thembinkosi Lorch attempted an audacious chip that missed wide, and Dondol also threatened with a deflection coming to Pirates' rescue.

At half-time, Bucs coach Jose Riveiro made an attacking change, bringing on Kermit Erasmus in place of Dzvukamanja. Erasmus made an immediate impact, setting up Lorch, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead.

However, Dondol quickly responded, with Tebogo Makungo heading in a corner just two minutes later to level the score. With 15 minutes remaining, Riveiro made a double-attacking change, introducing Fortunate Makaringe and Bandile Shandu. Pirates pressed for the winner, but Dondol held on, forcing the game into extra-time.

In the second period of extra-time, Lorch had a glorious chance to clinch victory for the Buccaneers after a well-placed header from Erasmus, but he scuffed his shot wide with only Gumede to beat. Makungo also came close for Stars with a long-range chip that forced a spectacular save from Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who was off his line, sending the game to a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Each time made no mistake with their first four shots at goal, but in the end it was Pirates who emerged victorious, with Chaine saving Whitehead Nameka's final penalty before Sandile Mthethwa scored the decisive spot-kick to send the Buccaneers into the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

The thrilling encounter showcased the determination and skill of Pirates, who now set their sights on the semi-finals as they continue their quest for Nedbank Cup.