The Buccaneers, playing at home in Orlando, wasted no time asserting their dominance. A lively start saw them create early chances, with Thabiso Sesane making a crucial block to thwart a Cape Town City attack in the 5th minute.
However, it was in the 25th minute that Pirates found the breakthrough. Relebohile Mofokeng delivered a pinpoint corner, allowing Tshegofatso Mabasa to head the ball into the bottom left corner, giving Pirates a 1-0 lead.
Cape Town City struggled to find their rhythm, with their best effort of the first half coming from Prins Tjiueza, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Pirates’ keeper, Sipho Chaine, in the 17th minute.
Despite some promising build-up play, the Citizens failed to trouble the Pirates’ defence significantly.
The home side doubled their lead just before half-time when Deon Hotto curled a superb free kick into the top centre of the goal in the 43rd minute, leaving the Cape Town City goalkeeper with no chance.
This strike put Pirates firmly in control of the tie, heading into the break with a 2-0 lead.
The second half saw Cape Town City make several changes in an attempt to claw their way back into the contest, but the Pirates’ defence remained resolute.
Despite a few half-chances, including a header from Fortune Makaringe that went wide, the visitors could not find a way through.
Pirates’ control of the match continued, with substitutes like Miguel Timm and Innocent Maela helping to see out the game.
Late attempts by Cape Town City, including a long-range effort from Taahir Goedeman, failed to trouble the scoreline.
The match ended 2-0 in favour of Orlando Pirates, who will now look forward to facing either Mamelodi Sundowns or Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final.
This victory marks another step in what has been a strong campaign for the Buccaneers, who are now just one win away from lifting the MTN8 trophy once again.
