Hotto gives Orlando Pirates narrow MTN8 advantage over Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates took a 1-0 first-leg lead over Sekhukhune United in their MTN8 semi-final after Deon Hotto’s decisive goal at a sold-out Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The result also gave Pirates an away-goal and clean-sheet advantage ahead of the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. The teams will meet at the same venue twice in the space of four days, with a league fixture scheduled for Tuesday night before the semi-final return on Saturday.

Hotto scored the only goal of a match in which Orlando Pirates controlled much of the play but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Sekhukhune United defence.

The visitors were unable to add to their advantage, yet their measured approach ensured they finished the afternoon with the MTN8 defence positioned as they would have wanted. Sekhukhune United, known as Babina Noko, had periods where they frustrated Pirates by maintaining their shape, but they offered little in attack and managed only one shot on target.

The match was the first of three meetings between the sides, placing particular demands on both managers. Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou rotated his team, selecting a combination of experienced players and those with fewer starting opportunities.

Simphiwe Masilela, Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane were among the newcomers handed rare starts, while veteran Hotto was also included from the beginning. Sekhukhune United coach Cedric Kaze took a different approach, selecting his strongest available line-up, including Melusi Buthelezi, who was Orlando Pirates’ second-choice goalkeeper during the previous two seasons.

Despite playing away from home, Orlando Pirates dominated possession and territory, matching the atmosphere created by their supporters. The Ghost filled the stadium, while on the pitch Pirates repeatedly tried to find a way through a compact midfield.

Sekhukhune United’s plan was to remain organised and attack quickly on the counter, limiting the space available to the visitors. Pirates had to wait until the closing stages of the opening half before creating genuine danger.

Oswin Appollis and Hotto both tested former team-mates with efforts from set-pieces, but the breakthrough eventually came from open play.

Hotto combined with Ghampani Lungu in a swift move down the flank before continuing his run into the area. He controlled the return pass neatly and struck a powerful shot into the roof of the net to put Pirates in front.

Ouaddou raced halfway across the pitch to celebrate with his players, as he often does, and the goal gave Orlando Pirates both a half-time lead and the advantage of an away goal.

Pirates continued to apply pressure after the interval but could not turn their superiority into another goal. In the 65th minute, the travelling supporters found their voice when striker Sebastien Pedersen was introduced for his much-anticipated debut.

Pedersen is affectionately known as “Baby Haaland” because of his Norwegian origins, the home country of prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. He came close after making a run between the lines, but his effort flew into the stands.

Sekhukhune United also threatened when they broke forward, although Sipho Chaine and the Orlando Pirates defence remained resolute. The clean sheet leaves Pirates with a valuable advantage before the teams renew their rivalry in the league on Tuesday and return to MTN8 action at Orlando Amstel Arena three days later.