Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory over 10-man Stellenbosch in their MTN8 semifinal first-leg encounter at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday.
The result offers the defending champions a slight but all-important advantage ahead of the decisive second leg at Orlando Stadium, where they will look to continue their bid for a twelfth triumph in the competition. Playing in front of a full house, Pirates were made to absorb some early pressure from the hosts who managed to get their first shot at goal in the fifth minute through Iqraam Rayners, who fired wide after a turnover of possession inside the visitors’ half.
It was however Stellies who enjoyed more chances early on, with Thabo Moloisane and Qobolwakhe Sibande both coming close to opening the scoring. This was just moments before the Buccaneers were handed a numerical advantage following a studs-up challenge by Moloisane on Maswanganyi, which resulted in the Stellies defender being given his marching orders.
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Stellenbosch took the lead when Junior Toure headed in from a corner against the run of play. However, Lepasa, who hit double figures in all competitions as he headed in from a Maswanganyi cross to make it 1-1. The hosts’ defensive wall held up until deep into injury time, and it took a bit of inventiveness from eventual Man of the Match, Maswanganyi who staved off a challenge from would-be markers before chipping toward Hotto, who flicked the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Only seconds remained on the clock thereafter, and the Buccaneers had both the numbers and the know-how as they controlled matters to ensure a crucial away victory ahead of their home leg.