Black Leopards are through to the final of the Nedbank Cup. They beat the stubborn Baroka FC 5-3 in their semifinal match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.

Baroka started the game like a houseon fire, with their strikers demonstrating their zeal to open the score first. Their efforts did not pass without reward. They were awarded a penalty in the 9th minute. Their killer-striker, Katlego Mashego, was brought down by Leopards’ Harry Nyirenda within the box. The referee, Jerome Damon, pointed at the white spot without any hesitation and Msimeki Baloyi scored.

The visitors from Thohoyandou were not demoralized by the goal. Instead, they continued to play like a team, with their midfielders, Robert Ngambi, Tiyani Mabunda and Khethowakhe Masuku, dishing out some significant passes to the strikers.

The second half saw Lidoda Duvha regrouping from behind, causing the defence of Baroka to panic. They were awarded a place kick outside the box in the 49th minute. Khethowakhe Masuku lifted the ball from the place kick and the overlapping left back, Vincent Xakane, headed home freely to make it 1-1.

Leopards replaced Dingane Masanabo, Tiyani Mabunda and Mongezi Bobe with Mahlatse Maake, Grant Lungu and Raymond Monama respectively.

At the end of regulation time, the score was 1-1 and Leopards took the lead via Rodney Ramagalela, who headed home in the 19th minute of extra time. It took Baroka three minutes to retaliate. They were awarded a controversial corner kick that resulted in a mix-up within the box. Khumadi Nkoana scored to make it 2-2.

The winner was determined through penalty shoot-out. Leopards scored three via Raymond Monama, Rodney Ramagalela and Siphiwe Vezi, while Baroka converted only one through Johannes Ramatlala.

Leopards will meet the more fancied Orlando Pirates, who qualified for a third successive cup final this season. The Buccaneers beat Mpumalanga Black Aces 1-0 after extra time at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening to book a place in the final. The final will be played at the new Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit) on May 28. The winning team will receve a wopping R6 million, while the second-placed team will be able to bank R2,5 million.