MTN8: New Signing Snatches Late Draw for Pirates Against Sundowns

In a game filled with tactical changes and early drama, the match saw several significant lineup adjustments, with Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou giving a start to Evidence Makgopa and introducing Relebohile Mofokeng and Kamogelo Sebelebele. 

Sundowns also made a switch, recalling Aubrey Modiba to the starting lineup.

The match started with a good tempo, but was disrupted by an unfortunate incident for Sundowns when their captain, Themba Zwane, was forced to leave the game with a thigh injury after only 12 minutes. 

JAYDEN ADAMS REPLACED INJURED ZWANE

His early exit saw Jayden Adams come on as a substitute. The first real opportunity of the game came from Pirates. A promising build-up involving Deon Hotto and Mofokeng found Sebelebele, but the winger was unable to find the target from close range. 

Sundowns, however, were more clinical with their chance. With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, a brilliant header from Teboho Mokoena off a cross by Marcelo Allende broke the deadlock. 

Mokoena’s perfectly timed run saw him lose his marker and score his first goal of the season, putting Sundowns in the driver's seat.

The second half was a different story, with Pirates coming out determined to find an equalizer. Early on, Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa both squandered excellent opportunities, while at the other end, Sundowns’ attack was thwarted by a fine save from Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine against Iqraam Rayners.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou looked to change the dynamic with an hour gone, making a double substitution that saw Appollis and Sipho Mbule enter the game. 

Pirates’ relentless pressure almost paid off when a defensive error from Grant Kekana gifted Makgopa a one-on-one chance with Ronwen Williams. Unfortunately for Pirates, Makgopa’s shot was saved.

The home side went even closer just two minutes later as a Patrick Maswanganyi corner was met by the lively Makgopa, whose header rattled the post. However, their hard work finally paid off with four minutes remaining. 

Kamogelo Sebelebele, the new signing, sprinted clear from a pass by Mbekezeli Mbokazi before coolly slotting the ball home for his first goal as a Buccaneer. The goal leveled the score and ensures a thrilling second leg awaits in Atteridgeville.