by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Orlando Pirates placed one foot in the MTN8 final after grinding out a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their semifinal at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Deon Hotto’s emphatic 43rd-minute strike proved the difference in a tense, tactical contest, handing the Buccaneers a valuable away advantage as they continued their quest for a fifth successive MTN8 crown.
The result leaves Sekhukhune with work to do ahead of the return leg in Soweto next weekend, although Lehlohonolo Seema’s side will feel they remain firmly in the tie after restricting Pirates for long spells.
Chances were scarce in the opening exchanges as both teams adopted a measured approach in the Limpopo heat. Pirates gradually found their rhythm midway through the first half, with Oswin Appollis forcing Melusi Buthelezi into a solid save from a dipping free kick in the 33rd minute.
Buthelezi was called upon again five minutes later, this time reacting sharply to keep out Hotto’s long-range set piece. The Sekhukhune goalkeeper, however, could do little about the opener shortly before the interval.
Ghampani Lungu’s deft flick sent Hotto into space on the left side of the penalty area, and the Namibian winger made no mistake, driving a fierce effort into the top corner to give Pirates the lead.
Sekhukhune emerged with greater urgency after the break and came close to levelling in the 58th minute. Substitute Thabo Nkwana broke down the right before sending a low effort toward goal, with the ball bouncing awkwardly in front of Sipho Chaine and skidding narrowly wide for a corner.
Pirates sought fresh legs midway through the second half, making a triple change that included a debut for Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen. He almost announced himself in style in the 80th minute, only to slice his shot wide from the edge of the area.
Lungu then threatened to put the contest beyond Sekhukhune seven minutes later after winning possession high up the pitch, but his low strike flashed narrowly past the far post.
While Pirates will take comfort from both the clean sheet and the away win, Sekhukhune will have an immediate chance to respond when the sides meet again in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, 25 August, before the MTN8 second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 29 August.
