Having a balanced squad on paper doesn’t necessarily guarantee a balanced team on match-day. Orlando Pirates are proof of that after they squandered their lead to book a spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

The Buccaneers scored the first goal during their 1-all draw with Dondol Stars at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, on Saturday afternoon. But an inch of sloppy defending 25 seconds later awarded Dondol an equalizer.

The first half off to a slow start as both teams exchanged the ball, however, Pirates started losing focus following a water break as the hosts continued to dominate the ball and kept the visitors side busy.

Pirates came close to finding an opener through Kabelo Dlamini’s wide shot went from the right side of the area, the game entered the half hour mark goalless.

Ten minutes into the second half, Pirates broke the deadlock through Thembinkosi Lorch, however the Buccaneers lead was shortlived after Makungo equalized for the hosts through a header.

Both teams absorbed the pressure in the dying stages which saw the game end in a stalemate heading into Extra-Time.However the two teams couldn’t be separated and a penalty shoot-out which saw Orlando Pirates booking their spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after defeating the ABC Motsepe League side 5-4 on penalties .