Orlando Pirates take commanding half-time lead over Sekhukhune United in MTN8 semi-final

Orlando Pirates are 2-0 up against Sekhukhune United at half-time in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The Buccaneers lead 3-0 on aggregate after another strong opening 45 minutes, having won the first leg on home soil. The result leaves Sekhukhune with a major challenge if they are to overturn the tie and reach the next stage of the competition.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou brought Yanela Mbuthuma back into the starting line-up after leaving him out of the squad for the league victory over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday evening.

Sekhukhune, meanwhile, handed striker Bethuel Muzeu his debut after receiving clearance from Black Leopards.

The visitors arrived needing to recover from two defeats by Pirates in the space of several days. They had first lost to the Buccaneers in the league on Tuesday before suffering defeat at home in the opening leg of this semi-final.

Pirates enjoyed the greater share of possession during the first half and gradually began to create opportunities, although many of their openings were only half-chances.

Sekhukhune struggled to offer a consistent attacking threat. Lebone Seema and Sbangani Zulu helped to keep Muzeu and Mojela quiet in the final third, restricting the visitors’ ability to build dangerous attacks.

The home side eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the interval. Mbuthuma drove forward down the left before finding Thapelo Mokobodi, who kept his composure to place the ball into the bottom corner.

Pirates extended their advantage only three minutes later, with Mbuthuma again playing a decisive role. He won possession and immediately released Ghampani Lungu, who took one touch before striking beyond Toaster Nsabata.

That goal put Pirates 2-0 ahead on the afternoon and 3-0 in front on aggregate.

Action from the match at Orlando Amstel Arena was available in the gallery.

Orlando Pirates starting line-up: 24. Chaine, 36. Sebelebele, 6. Seema, 37. Zulu, 3. Ndaba, 20. Selepe, 29. Mthiyane, 33. Mokobodi, 23. Lungu, 12. Appollis, 9. Mbuthuma.

Substitutes: 32. Dladla, 32. Chabatsane, 7. Hotto, 48. Masilela, 46. Dansin, 38. Padime, 45. Msendami, 25. Radiopane, 11. Moremi.

Sekhukhune United starting line-up: 16. Nsabata, 36. Ndlozi, 28. Matsimbi, 4. Cardoso, 29. Kazeem, 33. Khupe, 15. Mkhize, 11. Rammala, 21. Mojela, 41. Muzeu, 3. Ndlovu.

Substitutes: 23. Sapunga, 2. Mobbie, 45. Tlaka, 26. Mcaba, 12. Khiba, 31. Mokoane, 8. Phiri.

The second leg is being played on 29 August 2026, with Orlando Pirates attempting to protect their three-goal aggregate advantage and complete their progress in the MTN8 semi-final.