Ndah, Black Stars Keeper Ofori Help Orlando Pirates Land 11th South African Cup Title

Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah and Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori were in action as Orlando Pirates were crowned MTN 8 (South African Cup) champions for 2022, after claiming a 1-0 win over AmaZulu in the final played in front of a sellout crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The victory sees Orlando Pirates reclaim the title which they had won at the same venue in 2020, making it their 11th win overall in Top-Eight competition.

From the very first minute, Orlando Pirates were forced to shuffle things around after defender Nkosinathi Sibisi had to be withdrawn due to a calf injury following a challenge from Gabadinho Mhango.

That proved to be the theme for much of the first half, which consisted of many injury stoppages and limited clear-cut chances at goal for either side.

The Buccaneers did however went close on 12 minutes with Thabiso Monyane curling a ball in towards goal, which almost snuck in under the crossbar and was kept out by a fine save from AmaZulu keeper Veli Mothwa.

Ofori’s goal came under threat for the first time in the 21st minute when Mhango made a run on the left flank and was halted by an excellent sweeping clearance from Tapelo Xoki.

The decisive moment came four minutes later and it was from a set-piece situation, where Monnapule Saleng went direct from a tight angle and found the back of the net to make it 1-0.

AmaZulu almost drew level at the stroke of halftime when Mhango beat Ofori and was thwarted by Ndah, who scrambled across to make a clearance.