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

Orlando Pirates will take a slender advantage into the decisive MTN8 semi-final second leg after a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The defending champions secured the win through Deon Hotto’s first-half strike and will now return to their Orlando Stadium fortress for Saturday’s second leg. Pirates have established a formidable home record in recent seasons, increasing the pressure on Sekhukhune United to overturn the deficit.

The match also marked the long-awaited debut of Norwegian striker Sebastien ‘Baby Haaland’ Pedersen, who was introduced for the final 25 minutes by Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Pedersen did not find many clear opportunities after coming on, but he showed promise in the air, produced some neat touches and moved effectively away from the ball. His clearest opening came in the 80th minute, when a mistake by Daniel Cardoso gave him the chance to shoot at Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi. However, the Norwegian’s left-footed effort drifted wide.

By then, Pirates were already ahead after a well-constructed attack ended with Hotto firing a powerful shot past Buthelezi and into the roof of the net in the 44th minute.

The goal came after Gamphani Lungu created space with an inventive backheel into Hotto’s path, allowing the defender to unleash his effort despite pressure from Sekhukhune full-back Nyiko Mobbie.

There was little time for Babina Noko to respond before half-time, leaving coach Cedric Kaze with a sizeable challenge at the interval.

Although Sekhukhune were not completely outplayed, they rarely threatened Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine or a defence organised by captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema. The visitors controlled much of a largely subdued contest and will believe they could have taken a bigger lead back to Johannesburg.

Kaze will now need more from his attacking players, particularly Bright Ndlovu, Tshepo Mokoena and Tsepo Matsimbi, if Sekhukhune are to change the direction of the tie at Orlando Stadium.

Pirates’ starting line-up included a number of less familiar choices, with Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheli Mthiyane, Gamphani Lungu and Simphiwe Masilela all given rare starts. Thalente Mbatha, Sihle Nduli and Evidence Makgopa were unavailable because of various injuries, while playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi was also missing.

Yanela Mbuthuma retained his place in attack as Ouaddou continued to show faith in the forward despite his lack of goals. He has now gone five matches without scoring in all competitions this season, and is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign.

Mbuthuma was replaced by Pedersen after 65 minutes, while Kabelo Kgositsile came on for Oswin Appollis as Ouaddou sought greater attacking threat and a second goal.

Sekhukhune began with former Pirates goalkeeper Buthelezi between the posts and fielded an experienced group that also included Cardoso, Mobbie, Siphesihle Mkhize, Lehlohonolo Mojela and Ndlovu.

The two sides will meet again on Tuesday in the Betway Premiership in Soweto before completing their rapid three-match sequence with the second leg next weekend.

Pirates are targeting a fifth successive MTN8 title, while Sekhukhune must score at Orlando Stadium if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.