Pirates take narrow MTN8 semi-final lead into Orlando Stadium second leg

Orlando Pirates will take a 1-0 advantage into the decisive MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sekhukhune United after edging a low-key first meeting at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The defending champions were rewarded for their greater attacking initiative when Deon Hotto struck just before half-time, giving Pirates a slender lead to protect at their fortress Orlando Stadium next weekend.

The result also gave Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou the opportunity to introduce much-anticipated striker Sebastien “Baby Haaland” Pedersen, who made his debut after 65 minutes.

Pedersen spent 25 minutes on the pitch and did not have many clear opportunities, but he showed promise in the air, looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and moved intelligently when out of possession.

His best opening came in the 80th minute, when a mistake by Daniel Cardoso allowed him to shoot at Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi. However, Pedersen’s left-footed effort went wide.

By then Pirates had already established their lead through a well-worked move. Gamphani Lungu produced a clever backheel to send the ball into Hotto’s path, and the defender responded with a powerful strike that flew past Buthelezi and hit the roof of the net despite pressure from Sekhukhune defender Nyiko Mobbie.

The goal arrived after 44 minutes, leaving Sekhukhune little time to find a reply before the interval.

Pirates controlled much of a match that produced few clear-cut chances. Sekhukhune were competitive rather than overwhelmed, but they rarely threatened Sipho Chaine or a Pirates defence organised by Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema.

Ouaddou is likely to believe his side should have taken a more substantial advantage back to Soweto, particularly given their dominance for long periods. Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze, meanwhile, will expect more from his players in the return fixture, when they must score at Orlando Stadium against a Pirates side that has been difficult to beat there in recent seasons.

Sekhukhune’s attacking players Tshepo Mokoena, Bright Ndlovu and Tsepo Matsimbi will need to improve if Kaze’s team are to change the direction of the tie next weekend.

The semi-final second leg will be the third meeting between the clubs in a short period. They face each other again on Tuesday in the Betway Premiership in Soweto before completing the MTN8 tie the following weekend.

Ouaddou made several changes to his starting line-up for the first leg, handing rare starts to Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheli Mthiyane, Gamphani Lungu and Simphiwe Masilela.

Thalente Mbatha, Sihle Nduli and Evidence Makgopa were unavailable because of various injuries, while the notable omission was playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi.

Yanela Mbuthuma retained his place at the head of the Pirates attack, despite continuing to struggle for goals. He has now gone five matches without scoring in all competitions this season, and his wait for a first goal continues.

Kabelo Kgositsile replaced Oswin Appollis at the same time as Pedersen came on, with Ouaddou seeking greater attacking threat and a second goal.

Kaze selected former Pirates goalkeeper Buthelezi, while his side also included the experience of Cardoso, Mobbie, Siphesihle Mkhize, Lehlohonolo Mojela and Ndlovu.

Pirates, who are pursuing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, will now look to complete the job at Orlando Stadium. Sekhukhune must overturn the deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.