Orlando Pirates were crowned 2023 MTN8 champions after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties after it ended goalless after 120 minutes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Brazilians showed their intent early on should have broken the deadlock after five minutes but Themba Zwane could not bypass Sipho Chaine in a one-on-one situation.

As the game continued both sides pushed forward in search of the opening goal but the defences kept the attackers at bay.

In-form striker Peter Shalulile had an opportunity to hand Sundowns the lead after the half hour mark but his header sailed over the target after he was teed up by Khuliso Mudau.

Pirates were dealt a major blow in the 34th minute when Nkosinathi Sibisi picked up an injury and was subsequently replaced by Olisa Ndah.

Neither side could find the back of the net in the first half as the game went into the break locked at goalless.

Ronwen Williams was called into action early in the second half when he came off his line to intercept a through ball which was on its path to Kermit Erasmus.

Sundowns came close to making it 1-0 on the hour mark but Teboho Mokoena fired his long range effort just wide of the target.

Jose Riveiro opted to bring on fresh legs in the 71st minute when he introduced Karim Kimvuidi and Relebohile Mofokeng to replace Lepasa and Maswanganyi before Rulani Mokwena made changes of his on when Neo Maema made way for Junior Mendieta a minute later.

There were chances at both send of the pitch but neither Shalulile or Hotto were able to find the back of the net after 77 minutes of play.

Chaine came to his sides rescue on two occasion by first making a save against Allende in the 81st minute before denying Modiba five minutes later.

The game was forced into extra after both sides were unable to score the winning goal after 90 minutes of regulation time.

The final was settled on penalties with the Buccaneers coming out victorious after winning 3-1 in the shootout.

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix