Deon Hotto earns Orlando Pirates first-leg lead over Sekhukhune United

Orlando Pirates took a narrow advantage into the second leg of their MTN 8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United after Deon Hotto’s goal secured a 1-0 victory at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The defending champions controlled much of the contest and created the clearer chances, although they were frequently undermined by an inconsistent final touch.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made two changes to the team that started their most recent league match. Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Simphiwe Masilela were brought into the starting line-up, with Camren Dansin named among the substitutes and Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi left out of the match-day squad.

Sekhukhune also altered their team twice. Nyiko Mobbie and Karabo Tlaka were selected from the start, while Tshepo Mashiloane was unavailable because of contractual obligations and Khupe missed the match through injury.

Pirates threatened within the opening five minutes when Yanela Mbuthuma’s movement unsettled the Sekhukhune defence and created an opportunity for Masilela. However, his finish drifted wide of the target.

The visitors continued to look the more dangerous side. In the 16th minute, Thapelo Mokobodi picked out Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, but the defender’s header failed to trouble the goal.

Pirates then won a set-piece shortly after the half-hour mark, only for Oswin Appollis to deliver the ball straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Another free-kick followed eight minutes later, and this time Hotto struck the ball with power, forcing Melusi Buthelezi into an excellent save.

Sekhukhune’s best opportunity of the first half fell to Ellis Rammala, whose effort went wide five minutes before the interval.

That miss proved costly when Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. Ghampani Lungu provided the assist for Hotto, who finished to give the visitors the lead.

Pirates nearly doubled their advantage in stoppage time, but Kamogelo Sebelebele’s tame effort went wide.

Both managers made a change at half-time. Dansin replaced Masilela for Pirates, while Thabo Nkwana came on for Lehlohonolo Mojela in the Sekhukhune line-up.

Pirates continued to threaten after the restart. Two minutes into the second half, Hotto sent a free-kick into the penalty area, where Daniel Cardoso headed clear. The ball fell to Appollis, who struck a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target.

Sekhukhune came close to an equaliser in the 59th minute when Nkwana shot from the right. Sipho Chaine reacted well to tip the effort behind for a corner.

Pirates were unable to add a second despite creating another late opening. New signing Sebastien Pedesern, making his debut after coming on as a substitute, found himself one-on-one with Buthelezi but lifted his effort over the crossbar.

The semi-final will be settled at the Amstel Arena next weekend. Before then, the two teams will meet again in the Betway Premiership at the same venue on Tuesday.