Marumo Gallants were firing on all cylinders from the start and almost scored after just three minutes when Evidence Makgopa saw his shot cleared off the line following a defensive lapse from Alexandre Lafitte's side.

Pirates then had to chances to score with Thabiso Lebitso and Thalente Mbatha both testing Washington Arubi, but the Zimbabwean keeper coming out on top. Oswin Appollis, Masindi Nemtajela and Mofokeng all tried to break Gallants’ defence, to no avail.

Pirates

After the break, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa got their act together to limit Pirates’ chances in attack, although Tshepang Moremi did manage to force a save out of Arubi on 55 minutes.

Yanela Mbuthuma had an opportunity to win it at the death for the Soweto giants, only to steer his header wide of the post from Moremi's floated cross in the third minute of stoppage time.

Gallants

But a seasoned Pirates team ultimately proved to much for Gallants with Mbuthuma tapping in the ball almost on the goal line.

The Buccaneers have dominated cup competitions in recent times, winning the MTN8 four years in a row (2022-2025) and claiming back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles (2023, 2024).

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg