Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in an entertaining MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Teboho Mokoena scored for Masandawana in the 34th minute while Kamogelo Sebelebele scored for the Buccaneers in the 87th minute.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND ORLANDO PIRATES MAKE CHANGES AHEAD OF MTN8 SEMI-FINAL CLASH
Both teams made a few changes coming into the match from their respective Betway Premiership fixtures midweek.
The home side made five changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday. Newly signed defender Tshepo Mashiloane was dropped with Deano David van Rooyen the preferred choice at right-back.
Thalente Mbatha made his first start of the season, with Abdoulaye Mariko relegated to the bench. After starting from the bench during the week, Bafana Bafana winger Relebohile Mofokeng returned to the starting line-up, while Evidence Makgopa was also preferred over Boitumelo Radiopane upfront.
On the other hand, Divine Lunga was dropped for Aubrey Modba at left-back while Tashreeq Matthews also started in place of Kutlwano Letlhaku.
Sundowns were dealt a huge blow as early as the 14th minute when captain Themba Zwane was forced out due to an injury and was replaced by Jayden Adams.
THE BUCCANEERS AND MASANDAWANA CLASH FULL OF ACTION IN ORLANDO
The first half was full of action as both teams created clear goal scoring chances. Pirates thought they scored the first goal of the match in the 21st minute through Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Sebelebele got behind the Sundowns defence and had the ball in the back of the net, only to be flagged offside.
Masandawana found the back of the net 10 minutes before the half-time break through a header by Teboho Mokoena from a Marcelo Allende corner.
The Buccaneers had a chance to find an equaliser five minutes into the second half. Maswanganyi’s shot went over the crossbar after a pass from Makgopa. A few moments later, Sundowns nearly scored their second of the match. Iqraam Rayners went one-on-one with Sipho Chaine, who pulled an excellent save.
Sebelebele thought he had found an equaliser for Pirates but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced an excellent save.
Sebelebele finally got his goal after a close range shot in the 87th minute. The two teams go into the second leg with a 1-1 score into the second leg which will take place on Saturday, 23 August at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
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