18.08.2025
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Pirates and Sundowns draw in 1st leg of MTN8 semi-final

3 mins


Defending MTN8 champions, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a 1-all draw in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. A first half goal by midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, gave Downs the lead, with Pirates scoring an equaliser late in the match.

After two consecutive losses in the league, Pirates couldn’t afford another loss with their fans’ patience wearing thin. And coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, as expected made five changes to his starting eleven from the previous match.

Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, Deano van Rooyen were back in the starting line-up with Relebohile Mofokeng also starting after coming on as a substitute on Tuesday.

And the Buccaneers started well but squandered an opportunity to take an early lead on this occasion. Both teams were playing some enterprising football and created scoring chances, with the home side failing to capitalise.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring. Midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, headed home from close range, connecting with a Marcelo Allende corner kick.

Downs came close to doubling their lead with keeper Sipho Chaine, twice denying them a goal. Pirates had a chance to equalise early in the second half. However, Deon Hotto’s shot went wide.

The home side had another chance to level matters after a defensive error by Downs. But Makgopa’s tame effort was stopped by keeper Ronwen Williams.

Kamogelo Sebelebele equalised for the home side late in the match, beating Williams from close range.

The two sides will meet next Saturday in the second leg in Atteridgeville.

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