Defending MTN8 Champions Orlando Pirates made a huge statement of intent after clawing back from behind to beat Stellenbosch 2-1 in the first-leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.
Before this one, Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was clear that they do not need the second leg to book a place in the final.
“We really want to win without thinking about about having another opportunity,” he said.
And the sea robbers perfectly responded as they came back from behind to walk away with the bragging rights.
However despite being a man down, Stellenbosch put up a performance full of passion and enthusiasm throughout the match.
But they crumbled like a deck of cards in the referee’s optional when Deon Hotto scored the goal Pirates needed to get the advantage going into the second leg.
Stellies were thrust ahead on the stroke of half-time by Ismaël Olivier Touré and Pirates restored parity through the free-scoring, Zakhele Lepasa after 66 minutes.
HOTTO MAKES THE DIFFERENCE FOR PIRATES
Steve Barker’s men tried hard to hold on but could not contain the pressure. And it was Hotto who put Pirates in full control of the affair, moments before the final whistle.
Stellenbosch finished the match the match with ten-men after Thabo Moloisane was red-carded after 32 minutes.
Meanwhile, it looks set to be exciting second leg clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on 23 September 2023.
In their bid to end their eight year trophy drought, Kaizer Chiefs failed to utilize home advantage as they played to a thrilling draw at the FNB Stadium in the MTN8 first-leg semi-final.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Wydad captain Jabrane confident of overturning deficit against Al Ahly
Defender, Khuliso Mudau delivered the sucker punch with a stoppage-time equaliser that all but denied the Soweto giants what could have been a famous victory.
Mudau restored parity after Edson Castillo thrust Chiefs ahead with a diving header in the 61st minute.
Considering how wasteful, Sundowns were throughout the match, Mudau’s goal undoubtedly, gave Sundowns some respite going into their second leg in their own backyard.
They preserved their unbeaten run in all competitions, but coach Rulani Mokwena was not entirely pleased with the outcome.
He has however set sights on getting the job done in the second leg but that will be
“A very dominant performance, 71 per cent ball possession against a team like Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium is not easy.
“And I think we deserved to win, but at the very least, we did not deserve to lose. Congratulations to the players for an incredible fighting spirit,” Mokwena said.
Meanwhile Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki has now failed to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in two attempts as they lost in the 2-1 in the DStv Premiership.