Orlando Pirates claim vital away win in MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune

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Orlando Pirates claim vital away win in MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune
Siphesihle Mkhize of Sekhukhune United against Simphwe Masilela of Orlando Pirates, Image: Pirates

Orlando Pirates claimed a slim 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final staged at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Sea Robbers came into the assignment knowing they had to get a positive result to stand a chance of going all the way for the fifth time in a row.

Babina Noko, under former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze, also went for their best in their bid to cause an upset.

Hotto gives Bucs first-half advantage

Bucs could have scored within the first minute as Yanela Mbuthuma teed up Simphiwe Masilela after dispossessing Daniel Cardoso, but he just couldn’t hit the target.

The attempt from the Sea Robbers was a timely call for the hosts, who responded by increasing their tempo, but, as expected, it wasn’t going to be an easy task.

Bucs had decent chances to score through Deon Hotto and Gamphani Lungu, but they lacked composure when it mattered. Melusi Buthelezi had to deny the Namibia legend in the 38th minute to ensure the score remained 0-0.

Nevertheless, the custodian had no response to Hotto’s strike in the 43rd minute, with Lungu providing the assist.

Pedersen makes debut, but…

The defending champions continued from where they left off, with Oswin Appollis’ 48th-minute shot missing the target.

Sekhukhune United finally gave Sipho Chaine something to do in the 58th minute. Thabo Nkwana went past his marker before his low shot, which the Bafana Bafana custodian did well to parry out for an unfruitful corner.

Norwegian striker Sebastien Pedersen finally made his debut in the 65th minute when he replaced Mbuthuma. He could have done better with 10 minutes to go, but his left-footed effort was way off target.

Lungu had a chance as well in the dying minutes; however, his low shot just went across the goal. In the end, Bucs managed to secure a slim but vital 1-0 win in the first leg. The second one will be at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Sunday, August 29. But before then, the two will face each other on Tuesday in the Premier Soccer League.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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