Pirates stormed into the match with gusto, creating two notable opportunities within the opening three minutes. Meanwhile, Usuthu weathered the early storm and eventually seized an opportunity on the counterattack, as Hendrick Ekstein broke the deadlock with a precise strike from outside the box, putting the hosts ahead at the half-hour mark.
Trailing by a goal, the Buccaneers ramped up their efforts and managed to find an equalizer just before the halftime whistle. Patrick Maswanganyi kept his composure and confidently converted from the penalty spot, ensuring both teams went into the break on level terms at 1-1.
The second half saw Pirates take the lead 2-1 courtesy of an impressive free-kick by Kabelo Dlamini in the 57th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Usuthu's Taariq Fielies nodded in a free header to restore parity at 2-2.
The tension heightened as Makhehlene Makhaula netted Pirates' third goal in the 82nd minute, marking his maiden goal for the team. Maswanganyi then sealed the victory in stoppage time, securing a 4-2 triumph and propelling the Buccaneers into the Nedbank Cup semi-final round alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch.
