Marumo Gallants knocked Orlando Pirates out of the Nedbank Cup via a 5-4 penalty shootout victory at Peter Mokaba Stadium last night. 

The last 16 tied had ended 1-all in regulation time. Olisa Ndah and Linda Mntambo ballooned their spot-kicks while King Ndlovu, who would later score the winning penalty for the hosts, saved Terrence Dzvukamanja's effort. Goalkeeper Richard Ofori returned to the Pirates XI after missing almost six months of action due to an unspecified injury he sustained at the start of the campaign. Before yesterday, Ghana's No.1 had not played since featuring in the second league game of the season against the same side in August.

True to coach Fadlu Davids' suggestion earlier this week, Pirates rarely started the game with two strikers in Kwame Peprah and Zakhele Lepasa, who would be replaced by Tshegofatso Mabasa on the hour-mark. The Buccaneers are used to a one-striker formation with Peprah the one who usually gets the nod. 

Gallants deployed their usual 4-5-1 system where Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Celimpilo Ngema operated double playmakers while Miguel Timm was a sitting No.6. Joseph Malongoane and Katlego Otladisa played as wingers, swapping flanks constantly while Junior Dion was an isolated striker.

Lepasa should have put the visitors ahead inside the first 10 minutes but lack of composure let him down, firing wide. A few minutes later, Ndlondlo unleashed a ferocious shot but Ofori was equal to the task as he parried that danger by pulling out a great save. Lepasa was later booked for simulation. 

Pirates survived a penalty shout when the ball touched Peprah's hand around the quarter hour-mark. Referee Christopher Kistoor turned the blind hour on this incident before finally awarding the hosts a spot-kick a few minutes later when Happy Jele's trailing leg stumbled Malongoane. Ndlondlo made no mistake from 12-yard, giving Gallants the lead in the 20th minute. 

Pirates levelled matters through Shandu, scoring his seventh of the season in all competitions, in the 30th minute. Shadu's strike would eventually send the game to extra time. Gallants played more defensive in the second stanza, allowing Pirates to have ball possession. The Sea Robbers create a few half chances through the likes of substitute Thembinkosi Lorch and Deon Hotto but it wasn't meant to be.