Aeden Manell
Orlando Pirates Take Advantage Into MTN8 Semi-Final Second Leg
Meta description: Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1–0 in the MTN8 semi-final first leg as Deon Hotto gives the Buccaneers an advantage.
Orlando Pirates have taken a valuable 1–0 lead into the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United. Deon Hotto’s well-taken first-half goal at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium gave the defending champions an important away victory in Polokwane. supersport
The Buccaneers are pursuing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, but the tie remains open ahead of the return leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 29 August. Pirates will first face Sekhukhune again in a Betway Premiership fixture on Tuesday, 25 August, creating a rare three-match sequence between the same two teams in seven days. thesouthafrican
Key Takeaways
- Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1–0 in the MTN8 semi-final first leg.
- Deon Hotto scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute.
- The match took place at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
- Pirates earned an important clean sheet away from home.
- Sekhukhune still have a chance to overturn the deficit in Soweto.
- The teams meet in the Betway Premiership before the second leg.
- The return leg is set for Saturday, 29 August at Orlando Amstel Arena. supersport
Pirates Gain a Crucial First-Leg Lead
Bright start from the Buccaneers
Orlando Pirates began the match with confidence and controlled much of the early possession. Their pressing created an early opportunity when Yanela Mbuthuma forced Sekhukhune into a defensive mistake.
The loose ball fell to Simphiwe Masilela in a promising area, but he was unable to find the target. It was an early sign that Pirates intended to take the initiative rather than sit back in an away first-leg encounter.
Sekhukhune responded quickly and showed that they would remain a threat. Bright Ndlovu rose to meet a cross in the seventh minute, but his header went over the crossbar. The chance reminded Pirates that defensive concentration would be essential.
Pressure turns into a goal
As the first half continued, Pirates looked increasingly comfortable in possession. They moved the ball with purpose, created wide attacking opportunities and kept Sekhukhune under sustained pressure.
Thapelo Mokobodi delivered a cross in the 16th minute that found Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, but his header missed the target. Deon Hotto later tested Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi with a powerful effort.
The breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute. Hotto combined with Gamphani Lungu in a quick one-two before finishing clinically to put Orlando Pirates ahead. The goal gave the Buccaneers the reward their first-half performance deserved and placed them in a strong position for the remainder of the tie. supersport
How the Second Half Unfolded
Pirates look for a second goal
Orlando Pirates began the second half looking to extend their lead. Oswin Appollis came close shortly after the restart when he struck a powerful long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
A second goal would have significantly changed the complexion of the semi-final. Instead, Pirates had to remain patient while protecting their one-goal advantage against a Sekhukhune side increasingly willing to commit players forward.
The Buccaneers remained dangerous in transition, with their speed in attack creating opportunities whenever Sekhukhune lost possession in advanced areas. However, the visitors could not find the second goal that would have given them even greater breathing space.
Sekhukhune push for an equaliser
Sekhukhune United increased their intensity as the match progressed. The hosts attempted to find a breakthrough through crosses, direct attacks and pressure around the Pirates penalty area.
Thabo Nkwana came close to levelling the score, but goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced a key touch to keep out the goal-bound effort. That moment was crucial because an equaliser would have changed the entire dynamic of the semi-final.
Pirates’ defence stayed organised until the final whistle, preserving the 1–0 victory and an important clean sheet. The result gives the Buccaneers an advantage, but it does not guarantee progression to the final.
Deon Hotto Makes the Difference
A decisive goal
Deon Hotto’s goal was the defining moment of the first leg. The experienced attacker showed composure after his combination with Gamphani Lungu, finishing a move that came at an ideal time for Orlando Pirates.
The goal was Hotto’s first of the 2026 MTN8 campaign and gave the Buccaneers a deserved lead before half-time. His contribution reflects the importance of experienced players in high-pressure knockout fixtures. diskibeat.co
In two-legged cup ties, a single moment of quality can influence the entire contest. Hotto’s finish means that Sekhukhune must now score in the second leg to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
Defensive discipline matters
While Hotto received the headlines for scoring, Pirates’ defensive discipline was equally valuable. The Buccaneers handled sustained pressure in the second half and restricted Sekhukhune’s clear scoring chances.
Sipho Chaine’s save from Nkwana demonstrated the importance of having a reliable goalkeeper in cup football. Pirates needed concentration from every player to ensure that their first-half lead remained intact.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised the team’s organisation and discipline after the victory. Those qualities will be needed again when the tie moves to Soweto. africasoccer
Pirates Hand Pedersen His Debut
New attacking option introduced
As the match continued, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made changes to manage the game and give opportunities to squad members. Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen made his debut for the Buccaneers.
Pedersen quickly looked to make an impact and tested the Sekhukhune defence. He had an effort that went over the bar, but his appearance offered Pirates supporters a first glimpse of a potential new attacking option.
Introducing new players in a competitive cup semi-final can carry risk, but it also helps build depth. Pirates will have a demanding schedule, including league football and the return leg, so squad rotation may be important.
What Pedersen could add
Pedersen’s debut could be significant as Pirates look for different solutions in the final third. A new striker can provide fresh movement, physicality and a different type of threat against teams that have already studied the Buccaneers’ attacking patterns.
The second leg may require a different tactical approach depending on how Sekhukhune begin the match. If the visitors attack aggressively, spaces could open for Pirates to exploit through quick transitions.
Pirates have the advantage, but they cannot become passive. A disciplined attacking approach will be important as they aim to score again and remove uncertainty from the tie.
What Happens Next?
Betway Premiership meeting
Before the MTN8 semi-final second leg, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United will meet in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, 25 August. The league encounter gives both teams an immediate opportunity to assess each other again.
The match could affect confidence, team selection and tactical planning for the cup decider. Coaches may choose to rotate players, especially if they want to protect key performers for the MTN8 return fixture.
For supporters following the Betway Premiership, MTN8 football and match markets, WanejoBets provides sports betting access. Always review confirmed line-ups, injuries and the latest odds before considering a bet.
Second-leg details
The MTN8 semi-final second leg will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 29 August, with kick-off set for 15:00 CAT. supersport
Orlando Pirates will begin at home with a 1–0 advantage. Sekhukhune United must find a way to score while avoiding the counter-attacking danger posed by the Buccaneers.
The tie remains finely balanced. A single goal can alter the pressure, especially in a cup semi-final where both teams are chasing a place in the MTN8 final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result between Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates?
Orlando Pirates won the MTN8 semi-final first leg 1–0. supersport
Who scored for Orlando Pirates?
Deon Hotto scored the only goal in the 43rd minute after combining with Gamphani Lungu. diskibeat.co
Where was the first leg played?
The first leg was played at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
When is the MTN8 semi-final second leg?
The second leg takes place on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at Orlando Amstel Arena. supersport
What time is the second leg?
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CAT.
Will Pirates and Sekhukhune play before the second leg?
Yes. They are scheduled to meet in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, 25 August. thesouthafrican
Can Sekhukhune still qualify for the MTN8 final?
Yes. Sekhukhune trail by one goal and can still overturn the deficit in the second leg.
Conclusion
Orlando Pirates earned a significant 1–0 away victory over Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final. Deon Hotto’s goal gave the Buccaneers the edge, while their defensive focus secured a clean sheet.
The semi-final is not over. Sekhukhune have the ability to respond, while Pirates must manage their lead carefully in front of their home support. With a Betway Premiership match still to come before the return leg, the rivalry between the Buccaneers and Babina Noko is set to intensify.
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