Cape Town City & Pirates play out to 1-1 draw in MTN8 semi-final first-leg
Cape Town City FC and Orlando Pirates played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Wednesday evening at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town
‘Ezimnyama Ngenkani’ holds a slight advantage heading into the second-leg, thanks to Relebohile Mofokeng’s away goal. Jayden Rhodes scored the equaliser for the home side.
‘The Buccaneers’ dominated the early stages of the match despite not creating many goal-scoring opportunities in the first ten minutes.
The home side was struggling to make forward progress, with Pirates solid both in the midfield and defence.
MOFOKENG’S OPENING GOAL IN THE FIRST HALF
In the 14th minute, Mofokeng opened the scoring after receiving a long pass from Thabiso Sesane. The 19-year-old forward successfully manoeuvred past Thamsanqa Mkhize and slotted the ball past Darren Keet.
In the 18th minute, Patrick Maswangwayi committed an error by relinquishing possession to the opponents. Prins Tjiueza nearly equalised, but his shot was thwarted by the foot of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and subsequently struck the crossbar.
The hosts gained more momentum as they aimed to equalise before halftime. Pirates remained dangerous on the counterattack, particularly on the left side where Mofokeng posed a threat to Mkhize.
Just five minutes before the match went to the break, the former TS Galaxy defender Tshegofatso Nyama defended a well-struck ball from Maswanganyi after a cross from Deon Hotto.
In the additional time, Chaine made a remarkable save, denying Rhodes, who had taken the Pirates’ defence by surprise as he unexpectedly surged into the penalty area.
The match reached the interval with Pirates leading 1-0.
CAPE TOWN CITY’S GREAT INTENSITY IN EARLY STAGES OF SECOND HALF
City came out guns blazing in the second half, resolutely seeking to secure an equaliser. Sesane made a crucial block when he stopped Keanu Cupido intercepting Keanu Cupido, who had advanced from the midfield to the penalty area.
There was a sense of urgency whenever Erick Tinkler’s men went forward with the Sea Robbers not having much of the ball.
The home side’s persistent attacking efforts were rewarded when they finally equalised through Rhodes, whose shot deflected off the Pirates defense and went past Chaine.
In the 67th minute, Riveiro, in an attempt to halt City’s attacking momentum, brought on defensive midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, replacing Mofokeng.
Pirates’ new signing Gilberto made his debut as he was thrown in late in the second half, taking Monnapule Saleng’s place. The visitors started to gain confidence in the last ten minutes of the match, however, couldn’t get the winning goal.
The match ended 1-1 and the second leg will take place on Saturday, 31 August at Orlando Stadium at 3 pm.
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