Mamelodi Sundowns\u2019 quest for MTN8 glory came to a crashing halt at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, as Orlando Pirates booked their place in the final with a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory. The semi-final clash ended 1-1 on the day and 2-2 on aggregate, but it was the Buccaneers who held their nerve from the spot to dump the Brazilians out of the lucrative competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iqraam Rayners had given Sundowns the advantage with a well-taken strike, but the home side\u2019s joy was short-lived when Kamogelo Sebelebele struck late to level matters and force penalties. In the ensuing shootout, Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine<\/a> emerged as the hero, pulling off crucial saves against Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende. Tshegofatso Mabasa converted the decisive spot-kick after Deon Hotto, Abdoulaye Mariko, and Sipho Mbule all found the back of the net.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the defeat, Sundowns coach Cardoso did not mince his words, attributing the loss to his team\u2019s heavy workload. Having represented the country at the FIFA Club World Cup<\/a>, he argued that his side simply lacked freshness compared to their rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe players tried their best, but we saw an unusual number of errors in simple passes. For me, fatigue is not just physical\u2014it affects the mind,\u201d Cardoso explained in frustration. \u201cWe made far too many mistakes, and that disrupted the fluidity of our game. Pirates were resting and preparing while we were still competing abroad. Naturally, we came into this match at a disadvantage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nSundowns Left to Rue Fatigue Factor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n