Pirates take first-leg advantage over Sekhukhune
Orlando Pirates have taken a narrow advantage in their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United. The Buccaneers won 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.
Deon Hotto scored the only goal of the match in the 44th minute. The Pirates winger finished into the top-right corner after a clever touch from Ghampani Lungu created the opening.
Sekhukhune had started brightly and tried to make the most of their home advantage. However, Pirates gradually settled into the contest and enjoyed more possession. By the 72nd minute, the Buccaneers had 59% possession compared to Sekhukhune’s 41%.
The hosts looked for an equaliser after the break. Bright Ndlovu came close with a header, while Chaine was forced into action to keep out a long-range effort from Sekhukhune.
Pirates also had chances to extend their lead. Oswin Appollis fired narrowly wide early in the second half before the visitors made a triple substitution in the 65th minute. That change included the long-awaited introduction of new striker Sebastian Pedersen, who came on alongside Kabelo Kgosietsile and Simphiwe Selepe.
Sekhukhune pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Pirates’ defence held firm. The result gives the defending champions a valuable 1-0 lead heading into the second leg.
The return fixture will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday, with Pirates looking to finish the job and keep their hopes of winning a fifth consecutive MTN8 title alive. For Sekhukhune coach Cédric Kaze, the challenge now becomes even bigger. His side will need to find a way to overturn the deficit against a Pirates team that remains unbeaten this season.