Orlando Pirates gained a slight upper hand in their MTN8 semifinal tie against Sekhukhune United, winning 1-0 in the first leg fixture played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The win, along with the crucial away goal, gave them the advantage ahead of the deciding leg set to take place at Orlando Amstel Arena in a week’s time. It also extended their unbeaten run in the competition, which now stands at 11 matches since their last defeat.
The Buccaneers’ intent was clear from the first minute of the contest in Polokwane when they produced the game’s first shot at goal through a turnover just a few yards away from the Sekhukhune box. Pressure exerted on defender Daniel Cardoso by Bucs striker Yanela Mbuthuma resulted in a chance for Simphiwe Masilela, who was only inches away from a goal on his run-on debut for the senior team when he fired just wide of the target.
The home side was however able to regroup and had a few bright moments at the other end during the game’s opening exchanges. They had an opportunity through a corner in the seventh minute, delivered into the path of Bright Ndlovu who failed to keep his header down. Bucs skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi had a similar chance following a free kick whipped in by Thapelo Mokobodi, but also misfired with his attempt to nod in from close range.
Further chances for the visitors came via set pieces at a kickable distance with Deon Hotto and Oswin Appollis both drawing saves from goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi. The ex-Pirates shot-stopper was again the difference, following some excellent work on the right flank from Kamogelo Sebelebele, who forced him low to his left to make a stop.
Just as it looked as if the two sides would bring up the halfway mark still deadlocked, neat interplay from the Soweto Giants provided the breakthrough. Masilela, Appollis and Gamphani Lungu all had a touch in the move leading up to a left-footed finish from Hotto, who fired in from close range to make it 1-0 with just one minute remaining in the first half.
The bright finish to the first period inspired an assured start to the second with Appollis threatening from range. He latched onto a loose ball from a set piece, catching it on the half-volley and firing wide before hooking his next effort narrowly off target after sparking the move deep in the opposition half.
Despite the dominant showing from the front line, the Bucs defence was also called upon as Sekhukhune looked dangerous on occasion. One such moment came in the 58th minute when Thabo Nkwana managed to ghost past a few defenders before testing Sipho Chaine, who managed to fend off his goalbound effort.
