Orlando Pirates take narrow MTN8 semi-final lead against Sekhukhune United

Orlando Pirates will carry a 1-0 advantage into the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United after edging a closely fought first meeting at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The defending champions secured victory through a superb Deon Hotto strike just before half-time, giving Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side a valuable lead ahead of the return fixture at their Orlando Stadium fortress next weekend.

Pirates controlled much of a subdued contest and may feel they deserved a more comfortable margin. Sekhukhune United competed throughout but failed to seriously test Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine or a defence marshalled by Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema.

The decisive moment came in the 44th minute. Gamphani Lungu showed composure and invention to release Hotto with a clever backheel, and the defender responded with a thunderous finish that flew past former Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi and into the roof of the net despite pressure from Sekhukhune defender Nyiko Mobbie.

Sekhukhune had little time to find a response before the interval, leaving Cedric Kaze’s team with a difficult task in the second half.

Clear opportunities remained scarce after the break, with Sekhukhune unable to create the equaliser they needed. Tshepo Mokoena, Bright Ndlovu and Tsepo Matsimbi will need to be more effective in the return match if Kaze’s side are to overturn the deficit.

For Pirates, the match also provided the long-awaited debut of Sebastien “Baby Haaland” Pedersen. The striker was introduced in the 65th minute and spent 25 minutes on the field.

Pedersen did not receive many clear chances but offered encouraging signs in the air, showed some neat touches and moved intelligently away from the ball. His best opening came in the 80th minute, when a mistake by Daniel Cardoso presented him with an opportunity to shoot at Buthelezi. However, his left-footed effort went wide.

The Norwegian was brought on for Yanela Mbuthuma, who has now gone five matches without scoring in all competitions this season. Mbuthuma continues to have Ouaddou’s backing but is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign.

At the same time as Pedersen’s introduction, Kabelo Kgositsile replaced Oswin Appollis as Ouaddou looked to add further attacking threat and find a second goal.

The Pirates manager had made several changes to his starting XI, 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 playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi was another notable absentee.

Kaze selected Buthelezi in goal and relied on the experience of Cardoso, Mobbie, Siphesihle Mkhize, Lehlohonolo Mojela and Ndlovu. Although Sekhukhune remained competitive, they could not breach a disciplined Pirates side.

The two clubs will meet again on Tuesday in the Betway Premiership in Soweto, before completing their three-match sequence in next weekend’s second MTN8 semi-final leg.

Sekhukhune must score at Orlando Stadium to change the balance of the tie, but Pirates will be seeking a fifth successive MTN8 title and will take confidence from their strong home record in recent seasons.