Orlando Pirates survived scary moments to defeat a stubborn Dondol Stars 5-4 on penalties on Saturday afternoon at Peter Mokaba stadium.
The match had ended 1-1 after extra time, with Thembinkosi Lorch netting for Pirates in the 55th minute, before Tebogo Makungo quickly replied for Dondol in the 57th minute.
At the end of the match, statistics spoke of a dominant Pirates that should have won the game in regulation time, with 66% ball possession, 23 attempts on goal, and eight on target.
Compare that to Dondol's 44% possession, seven goal attempts, and just three on target.
It was a mismatch right? Wrong!
Dondol were determined to claim another Dstv Premiership scalp, having disposed of SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC in the round of 32 and the last 16 respectively.
With the 'prize' of winning against Pirates much higher, they were not just about to roll out the red carpet for Bucs, stand on the side, and clap for them on their way to victory.
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Dondol fought like a team possessed, and Pirates should thank their guardian ghosts for avoiding an embarrassing defeat.
Ironic this might sound, but Pirates slayed a giant in Dondol Stars.
It must be said, Pirates looks like a team ordained to win the Nedbank Cup.
From getting what may be called the luck of the draw, which is not so lucky if you ask me, and actually making it to the semi-finals without playing a Dstv Premiership side, now, what is the worst that could go wrong?
Pirates have survived the worst, which is the threat of the unknown when it comes to second and third tier teams.
Whoever is left in the semi-finals will be an open book to Bucs.
On that note, with the football Gods having played their cards in Pirates favor from the beginning of the tournament, it will be a disappointment to them if the team fails to lift their second trophy of the season with the Nedbank Cup.
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