Orlando Pirates took a significant step towards retaining their MTN8 crown after edging Sekhukhune United 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final first leg at a packed Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
The defending champions produced a disciplined performance to walk away with a precious away victory, with Deon Hotto scoring the only goal of the match in the 43rd minute.
The result gives the Buccaneers a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday, August 29, when the two sides will meet again to determine who advances to the MTN8 final.
The match started at a high tempo, with both teams showing an early willingness to attack. Pirates, however, gradually took control of possession and began finding spaces in the Babina Noko defence.
The visitors created the first meaningful opportunities, although their finishing let them down. Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi was called into action as Pirates looked to break the deadlock.
Hotto was also involved in the attacking exchanges and came close to opening the scoring from a set-piece, forcing Buthelezi into a good save.
Sekhukhune struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening half, although they continued to threaten whenever they managed to break forward.
Just when it appeared the two teams would go into the interval level, Pirates found the breakthrough.
In the 43rd minute, Hotto finished off a move created by Gamphani Lungu to put the Buccaneers 1-0 ahead. The goal changed the complexion of the match and gave Pirates the advantage going into half-time.
Pirates could have doubled their lead before the break when Kamogelo Sebelebele found himself with an opportunity, but his effort lacked the required power and went wide.
Sekhukhune returned for the second half determined to get back into the contest. The hosts made changes at the interval as they attempted to inject more attacking energy into their game.
Pirates continued to look dangerous from set-pieces. Hotto delivered a dangerous ball into the box early in the second half, but Sekhukhune’s defence managed to clear the danger.
The home side then produced one of their best opportunities of the afternoon when Thabo Nkwana tested Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine from the right. Chaine reacted well to tip the effort behind for a corner and preserve Pirates’ lead.
As the match entered its final stages, Sekhukhune pushed more players forward in search of an equaliser, while Pirates were happy to defend their advantage and look for opportunities on the counter.
Pirates also had chances to put the tie beyond doubt. New signing Sebastien Pedersen came close to making an immediate impact after being introduced, but he fired over the crossbar when presented with a one-on-one opportunity against Buthelezi.
The home crowd continued to urge Sekhukhune forward, but Pirates’ defence held firm through the closing stages.
When the final whistle went, the Buccaneers had secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory, leaving them with a slender advantage before the return fixture.
The victory will boost the confidence of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, who will now know that another clean sheet at home in the second leg would be enough to send them through to the final.
For Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze, however, the task is clear. Babina Noko must score at the Orlando Amstel Arena if they are to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the MTN8 final alive.
The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 3pm, with Pirates holding the advantage after Hotto’s decisive first-half strike in Polokwane.