Orlando Pirates took advantage of a moment of madness as they edged Stellenbosch FC to win the MTN8 final 3-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
With the match seemingly headed to extra time with the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the Stellenbosch players switched off completely as they thought play had been stopped after a foul.
In a moment that will be debated for years to come, Pirates took advantage of the referee allowing a quick free-kick after a foul on Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa was quick to react as he found space in the Stellies box before rifling the ball into the back of the net.
The referee though he blew his whistle to stop play, waved play-on for a quick free-kick as Pirates capitalised with Stellenbosch players stopping completely. However, the setpiece was taken closer to the opposition goal - which means it should not have stood. Therefore, Stellies can count themselves incredibly unlucky that they were on the receiving end of such a contentious decision which decided the title.
Bitter pill to swallow for Stellies
With Stellies desperately throwing all their players forward and leaving themselves exposed at the back, Pirates stole the ball of their opponents as Relebohile Mofokeng weaved his way into the box to score his side’s third and make the scoreline seem emphatic.
It was Pirates’ third MTN8 title in a row, a new record in the competition.
Pirates were the dominant team throughout the regulation 90 minutes although it was an extremely tightly-contested affair, with 57% possession and nine shots at goal with six of those on target.
Lehlohonolo Mojela scored a stunning goal to open the scoring in the 12th minute. With some sloppy Pirates defence allowing a long throw-in to bounce in their box, Mojela put in an acrobatic bicycle kick which rocketed into the back of the net to stun Pirates (1-0).
Pirates took their time, producing a number of chances before finally Monnapule Saleng scoring the equaliser in the 43rd minute. From a free-kick outside the area, Deon Hotto fired in a shot which was blocked by Stellies keeper Sage Stephens only to see Saleng power the ball into the back of the net (1-1).
Devin Titus threatened on a number of occasions for Stellenbsoch, but his best chance came with 10 minutes remaining. With the Pirates defence back-pedalling, Titus received the ball in the area with acres of space but showing a lack of composure he blasted the ball into the stands.
It set the stage for a denouement of epic proportions, and one which will leave a bitter taste in the mouths for Stellenbosch FC for the rest of their days.