ORLANDO Pirates once again found themselves chasing shadows against their biggest nemesis, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday, 16 August, at a packed-to-the-rafters Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The Sea Robbers went into the clash under pressure after a stuttering start in the DStv Premiership, with two defeats and only one cup win to their name. But against Sundowns, it was the same old story Masandawana showing their dominance and dictating the game with class.
The Brazilians showed their class early, knocking the ball around with confidence. Their pressure paid off when Teboho Mokoena rose high and buried a powerful header from a corner. At that moment, the Sea Robbers looked lost at sea. They couldn't even find a shot on target in the first half, with Sundowns pulling the strings like puppeteers.
Abdeslam Ouaddou's men came out swinging in the second half, throwing on fan favourite Sipho Mbule, Aswin Appollis and Moremi, loading the pitch with four wingers in search of a spark. The Buccaneers pushed, but Downs simply absorbed the pressure and kept the ball moving smoothly.
The stats told the story, Sundowns completed 421 passes with 79% accuracy, enjoyed 57% ball possession, and fired nine shots with six on target. Pirates, on the other hand, had 320 passes at 77% accuracy but struggled to land meaningful blows.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was full of praise for his charges.
"We started well and controlled the game. We knew the pressure we would face but we managed it, kept the ball, and created our moments. Yes, the goal we conceded was a mistake, but for me, a draw is not a loss," he said.
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Ouaddou, though disappointed, took pride in his players' fightback.
"We wanted to start with high intensity but were a bit shy in the first 15 minutes. As the game went on, we found our rhythm and created chances, but we lacked efficiency. The impact players brought good energy in the second half," he said.
The drama came late when Kamogelo Sebelebele struck an equaliser for Pirates, sending the home fans into wild celebrations. The goal gave Bucs momentum, but time ran out before they could snatch a famous comeback win.
The defending champions will now head to Lucas Moripe Stadium for the decisive second leg on Saturday, 23 August, knowing they need something special to upset a Sundowns. The game ended in 1-1.
