Orlando Pirates travelled to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Sekhukhune United in the first-leg of the MTN8 semi-final round.
The defending champions started the game brightly with Sekhukhune United relying on transitional play instead of taking the game to their opponents.
The visitors threatened to take the lead from a set-piece in the 33rd minute however Melusi Buthelezi made a comfortable save.
Buthelezi was called into action again five minutes later, comfortably dealing with Deon Hotto’s free-kick.
However, the deadlock was finally broken before half-time courtesy of a stunning strike from Hotto into the top corner, following a swift one-two move with Ghampani Lungu.
The hosts came close to finding the equaliser in the 68th minute when Thabo Nkwana’s strike from range forced Sipho Chaine into a fine save.
Abdeslam Ouaddou then introduced new Norwegian signing Sebastian Pedersen in the 68th minute.
The towering striker almost enjoyed a dream debut however he couldn’t hit the target after a strong run into the box in the 80th minute.
Ghampani Lungu came close to doubling his side’s lead in the 86th minute but he somehow put his effort wide of goal from inside the box.
And that’s how it ended at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 1-0 to the visitors thanks to Deon Hotto’s first-half strike.
The Buccaneers now head into next weekend’s second-leg clash at the Orlando Stadium with a narrow advantage.
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
