Pirates, Sundowns Battle To A Draw In Thrilling MTN8 Semifinal

What a match! Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns delivered an enthralling MTN8 first-leg semifinal at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday, ending in a thrilling 1-1 draw.

However, Sundowns can consider themselves lucky to have escaped with a draw. They were under intense pressure for much of the second half, with the goalposts and a series of brilliant saves from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams keeping Pirates from scoring.

This result comes after Pirates’ strong record against Sundowns in this competition, having won four of their five recent encounters, including the 2023/24 final.

Both teams showed their quality from the start, confirming their status as title contenders this season. Pirates made some notable changes to their lineup, with Evidence Makgopa, Deano van Rooyen, and Thalente Mbatha all making their first starts. Sundowns, meanwhile, were still without Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

A significant moment in the game came when Sundowns captain Themba Zwane was stretchered off in the 15th minute with what appeared to be a groin strain. His early departure was a major blow to Sundowns’ creative spark, and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will be anxiously awaiting news on his condition ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, respectively.

Sundowns took the lead in the 36th minute when Teboho Mokwena rose above everyone to powerfully head in a corner from Marcelo Allende. Moments later, Sundowns nearly doubled their lead, but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a crucial save to deny Tashreeq Matthews from close range.

In the second half, Pirates came out firing. They put Sundowns under immense pressure, hitting the woodwork and creating several clear-cut chances.

Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Mbekezeli Mbokazi pounced on a defensive error and set up Kamogela Sebelebele, who slotted the ball past Ronwen Williams to level the score.

With the first leg ending in a draw, everything is still on the line for the return leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium next Saturday. However, Sundowns know that a goalless draw will be enough to see them reach the final, while Pirates will have to score two goals to go through.