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.
