Orlando Pirates edge Sekhukhune United as Sebastien Pedersen makes debut

Orlando Pirates gained a narrow advantage in their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United with a 1-0 first-leg victory on Saturday afternoon.

Deon Hotto scored the only goal of the match three minutes before half-time, combining with Ghampani Lungu on the edge of the penalty area before sending a powerful finish into the top corner.

The result gives the Buccaneers an important away win before the return leg next weekend. However, the two sides will meet again in the league on Tuesday night before the semi-final is decided.

Pirates made one change to their starting line-up, with Mthetheleli Mthiyane handed his first start for the club as Cemran Dansin dropped to the bench. Off-season signing Sebastien Pedersen was included in the matchday squad for the first time this campaign.

The visitors established control early on, with Sekhukhune United prepared to defend deep and absorb pressure. Their main threat came on the counter-attack, where they looked to exploit the pace of Bright Ndlovu and Ngoanamelo Rammala.

For much of the opening half, Pirates created their clearest opportunities from set-pieces. Oswin Appollis tested Melusi Buthelezi with a free-kick, but the Sekhukhune goalkeeper was equal to it.

Buthelezi was called into action again a few minutes later to keep out an effort from Hotto, who would eventually break the deadlock shortly before the interval.

Hotto collected the ball after linking up with Lungu on the edge of the box before cutting loose a strike that flew beyond Buthelezi and into the top corner. It was Hotto’s first goal of the campaign.

Sekhukhune almost found a route back into the contest 10 minutes after the restart. Thabo Nkwana escaped down the right and produced a low shot which Sipho Chaine could not hold, but the ball went narrowly wide of the post.

The anticipated moment for Pirates supporters arrived in the 64th minute when Pedersen was introduced for his debut. The Norwegian striker replaced Mbuthuma, who had endured another quiet afternoon in attack. Selepe and Kgositsile also came on during the second half.

Pedersen nearly marked his first appearance with an immediate goal. After Daniel Cardoso surrendered possession, the new arrival collected the loose ball and drove towards goal, but he could not hit the target from the edge of the area with only Buthelezi to beat.

That missed opportunity did not prove costly. Pirates managed the closing stages effectively to secure a vital victory and take a slender lead into the second leg.

Hotto was the standout performer for the Buccaneers. Operating down the left flank, he contributed both defensively and in attack, with his well-taken goal providing the decisive moment of the match.