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Johannesburg - Royal Leopards beat Orlando Pirates 3-1 on penalties to join Mbabane Swallows in the final of the King’s Super Cup after spot licks were needed in the second semi-final match played at Nomhlolo stadium, which ended 1-1 after full-time.
Oupa Manyisa missed his penalty, while Thandani Ntshumayelo’s and Tshepo Gumede’s efforts were saved.
Swallows earlier in the day stunned Kaizer Chiefs 4-2 in the penalties following a goalless draw over 90 minutes.
Eric Tinkler’s side started the match with mostly fringe players, but were very dominant from the opening minutes of the game.
However, it would be Leopards who nearly drew first blood, however they were denied by Pirates new goalkeeper, Felipe Ovono before Tsepo Gumede cleared the ball from goal mouth.
Pirates grabbed the lead midway through the first half following good combination play between Lehlohonolo Majoro and Amigo Memela, who brilliantly put the Soweto giants ahead in the 26th minute.
Memela, recently signed from Cape Town Stars, was among new Pirates players given a run.
Bucs went into the break enjoying a 1-0 lead after an impressive first half.
Leopard’s gave an improved performance in the second half and managed to test Pirates a few times with Ovono once again pulling a good save in the 62nd minute to prevent the home side from scoring.
Leopards coach, Dlamini, denied Memela the second in the 67th minute after the forward was set-up by Patrick Phungwayo.
Tinkler ran a few changes towards the end taking off Ugandan Yasser Mugerwa, who is on trial at the club, who was replaced by Thandani Ntshumayelo while another trialist Saidi Kyeyune came on for Memela.
Leopards made it 1-1 with fifteen minutes to go when Siboniso Malambe bundled in a shot from close range after Ovono was unable to gather the ball.
The game was held up for some time with ten minutes to go after the Leopards goalkeeper went down seriously injured after a collision, and was replaced.
Pirates made another sub of their own, bringing on new signing Tendai Ndoro for Issa Sarr.
However neither side were able to find the winner, despite fifteen minutes of extra time, and the match went to penalties.
