Orlando Pirates threw away a massive advantage in their CAF Champions League semi-final second leg to miss out on a place in the final.
With seven minutes to go at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo on Friday, the scores were 2-2 by the 82nd minute with Pirates on course to sealing a place in the final on the away goals rule, but allowed in a late goal which put paid to their hopes.
The Buccaneers had started well when Relebohile Mofokeng scored a stunning goal in the 41st minute on the half-volley after the Pyramids defence failed to deal with a set-piece.
The ball fell kindly to Mofokeng who hammered it in on his right foot to break the deadlock.
Drama in the second half
However, Pyramids equalised on the stroke of halftime when Kaizer Chiefs target Fiston Mayele connected well with the ball from a delightful cross.
After the break, Sipho Chaine had to palm out a good effort from Pyramids but there was more on the way from both teams.
Against the run of play, a good exchange of passes between Evidence Makgopa and Mohau Nkota saw the latter fire home a left-footed stunner to give Pirates a 2-1 lead, leaving Pyramids needing two goals to progress.
However, what looked tough was achieved as substitute Ramadan Sobhi headed home for 2-2 in the 57th minute but the Egyptians still needed another goal to make it to the final.
How did Pyramids do it?
With eight minutes to go, Chaine tipped over a great effort, leading to a corner and from it, Pyramids got the goal they needed.
Chaine made a great save from the initial effort but Mayele was there to head home from close range to complete a stunning turnaround for the Egyptian side.
That is how it ended as Pyramids sealed a place in the final for the first time in their history while ending Pirates’ dream and hopes of an all-South African final after Mamelodi Sundowns had earlier stunned holders Al Ahly at the death to secure their ticket.
