Deon Hotto strike gives Orlando Pirates narrow MTN8 semi-final first-leg lead over Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates' Deon Hotto celebrates his goal against Sekhukhune United.

Orlando Pirates took a healthy away-goal and clean-sheet advantage into the MTN8 semi-final second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday after beating Sekhukhune United 1–0 in the first leg at a sold-out Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Deon Hotto scored Pirates’ lone goal, but Pirates were smart in their game plan, playing to the demands of the game. While Pirates would have wanted to score more goals, they’ll be pleased that they have their MTN8 defence exactly where they wanted it.

Babina Noko, meanwhile, will reflect on this match knowing that they could have done better. While they frustrated Pirates at times by keeping their shape, they failed to trouble Pirates’ defence, having only one shot on target in the entire game.

With this match serving as the starter of a three-match meal as the two teams are set to meet in the league on Tuesday night at Orlando Amstel Arena before facing off in the return leg of the MTN8 at the same venue three days later, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was flexible in his approach, going for a blend of senior players and newcomers.

Newbies Simphiwe Masilela, Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, as well as veteran Deon Hotto, all made rare starting appearances. Cedric Kaze, meanwhile, couldn’t afford such luxury, as he went with his best players, including former Pirates No 2 goalkeeper over the last two seasons, Melusi Buthelezi.

Despite being the visitors, Pirates dominated the match – just like in the stands, where the Ghost filled the venue to capacity. However, for all their dominance, Pirates struggled to break down a Sekhukhune side that was compact in midfield, looking to catch the visitors on the counter-attack when in possession.

Clad in the team’s training tracksuit and a loose-fit T-shirt, Ouaddou ditched his trademark semi-final wear, embodying the occasion, which called for casual wear due to the heat and the fact that this was the start of three consecutive matches.

Ouaddou would have to wait until the latter stages of the first half before his team could threaten goal, as Oswin Appollis and Deon Hotto forced their former teammates into saves from set-pieces.

The Sea Robbers eventually sailed into calmer waters, with Hotto playing a quick one-two with Ghampani Lungu down the flank before getting on the end of the move, controlling the ball nicely inside and rattling his shot into the roof of the net.

Ouaddou broke into a sweat, racing halfway across the pitch to celebrate with the players – as he usually does. That goal didn’t only give Pirates comfort heading into the break, but also an away-goal advantage.

Pirates continued where they left off in the first half after the restart, but that didn’t pay dividends.