By Deon Hotto’s brilliant first-half strike proved to be the difference as Orlando Pirates edged Sekhukhune United 1-0 in a tightly contested MTN8 semi-final first leg at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The crucial away victory puts the reigning champions firmly on track in their pursuit of an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
Playing in the intense Limpopo heat, both sides took time to find their rhythm, with clear chances at a premium during the opening exchanges. Pirates gradually seized control as the half progressed, beginning to probe the Babina Noko defence with intent from the midway point.
Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi was forced into action in the 33rd minute, holding onto a dipping free kick from Oswin Appollis. Five minutes later, Buthelezi produced an even finer stop, tipping away a long-range set-piece effort from Hotto as the visitors dialled up the pressure.
The breakthrough finally came two minutes before the interval through a moments-of-magic combination. Ghampani Lungu released Hotto down the left channel with a clever flick, and the Namibian international made no mistake, smashing a powerful left-footed drive into the top corner to give the Buccaneers a well-deserved lead.
Babina Noko showed flashes of resilience after the break and nearly found an equalizer out of nowhere in the 58th minute. Second-half substitute Thabo Nkwana drove down the right flank and unleashed a low shot that bobbled awkwardly in front of Pirates custodian Sipho Chaine, skipping just wide of the target.
Seeking to put the tie to bed, Pirates manager refreshed his line-up with a triple substitution midway through the second half, handing a debut to Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen. Pedersen had a glorious opportunity to mark his debut with a goal in the 80th minute, but he sliced his shot off target from the edge of the box.
Lungu came even closer to doubling the advantage seven minutes later after pressing high to steal possession, but his low effort flashed just wide of the far post.
Despite failing to add a second, Pirates closed out the match to take a valuable lead back to Soweto. However, Sekhukhune will head into the return leg confident that a one-goal margin remains fully within their reach to overturn.
The two sides won’t have to wait long to reacquaint themselves. They are set to clash again this Tuesday, 25 August, in a Betway Premiership fixture before meeting for the decisive MTN8 second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 29 August.
Match Details:
- Result: Sekhukhune United 0-1 (0-1) Orlando Pirates
- Goalscorer: Deon Hotto 43’ (Pirates)
- Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
