By the Numbers: Nedbank Cup Semis

Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United progressed to the Nedbank Cup finals this past weekend, leaving Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch in their wake. It was a classic weekend of Cup action, with both ties intriguing enough and going into extra time. The Soweto derby was finally settled with six minutes to the end, while the game in Stellenbosch went the distance. Only when the 10th penalty was missed was the game decided. We broke down the games in By the Numbers.

4 – times both FA Cup semi-finals have gone to extra time in PSL history

2011 – the last time both FA Cup semi-finals have gone to extra time in PSL history (Pirates were involved in both instances)

The Soweto Derby

Pirates scored two goals 100 minutes apart against Chiefs. Kermit Esrasmus’ opener in 14 minutes was cancelled out by Yusuf Maart, but Sandile Mthethwa’s header proved decisive in the end. Pirates deserved the result, based on the quality of chances they created.

1.69 – Pirates xG in this game (their highest xG in the Nedbank Cup so far)

1.69 – Pirates xG in this game (their 2nd highest in the last 10 games v Chiefs)

If there is one thing Jose Riveiro has mastered this season, it is the big games. Even if results don’t always favor them, their performances (especially on the defensive side) give them every chance for success. 

0.91 – xG created by Chefs in this game, their lowest in a game since the league fixture v Pirates (0.59)

Chiefs, meanwhile, have not done too well in the big games. They made it into good positions, but nothing came of their efforts. A few glaring misses will be remembered for a long time, but they were symptomatic of a disjointed attack.

3 – instances Chiefs created less than 1xG this year (v Pirates twice, v Sundowns once).

8 – shots by Chiefs in this game

1 – shots taken by Chiefs attackers in this game

2 – shots on target for Chiefs (only v Sundowns (1 shot) have they taken less efforts at goal)

Coach Arthur Zwane may want to look away from these stats.

Stellenbosch Fall Short

Having dismissed league winners Sundowns at Athlone Stadium in the quarter-finals, the Stellies game was taken back to Danie Craven stadium again. These were the top-scoring teams in the tournament so far, and many would have hoped for goals in this game. But the teams seemed to cancel each other out.

115 – goals scored in the Nedbank Cup this season, the most since 2015/16 (122)

18% – of goals in the tournament have come from Sekhukhune (10) & Stellies (11)

1 – This was the first time both teams failed to score in the competition

2 – defeats Stellies suffered at Danie Craven this year, both of them coming to Sekhukhune

The Final

All eyes are now on the Loftus Stadium final, where Jose Riveiro will be looking to complete a dopuble in his first-ever season at Pirates. In the opposing dugout, Brandon Truter will also be looking to make a name for himself and lead a club to their first-ever top-flight silverware.

1 – Pirates coaches that have won a double in their first-ever season (Julio Leal)

18 – times Pirates have reached the FA Cup final since 1970 (only behind Chiefs’ 19)

15 – times Pirates have been to Cup finals without lifting the trophy, more than all PSL sides

All in all 21 different coaches have lifted the FA Cup in the PSL era, and come 27 May, a 22nd manager wil be added to that list.