Orlando Pirates secured their place in a fifth consecutive MTN8 final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United.
The reigning champions carried a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Polokwane, but there was no doubt about the outcome by the end of the second meeting. Orlando Pirates scored twice before half-time and completed the victory with a third goal in the final minute.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made one significant change to his starting XI, recalling forward Yanela Mbuthuma. The youngster justified that decision with an influential display, contributing to two of the hosts’ goals.
Sekhukhune United also altered their line-up and coaching arrangements. Assistant coach Paulus Masehe took charge from the touchline because head coach Cedric Kaze was serving a touchline ban. The visitors also gave Namibian striker Bethuel Muzeu his debut.
However, Sekhukhune United struggled to match the intensity of the hosts, who imposed themselves from the opening stages. Orlando Pirates controlled possession, pressed high and moved the ball quickly, creating repeated problems for the visitors’ defence.
The breakthrough came late in the first half. Bafana Bafana striker Oswin Appollis forced Sekhukhune United into a mistake from a corner and then released Mbuthuma on the right.
Mbuthuma carried the ball towards the penalty area before delivering a precise cutback across goal. Thapelo Mokobodi timed his run perfectly and calmly placed his shot into the bottom corner.
That goal gave Orlando Pirates the lead on the night and extended their advantage in the tie. They did not have to wait long to add another.
Once again, Mbuthuma was central to the move. After finding space, he played an excellent pass into the path of Ghampani Lungu, who arrived at speed and struck first time into the near corner.
The second goal sparked another celebration inside the stadium and left Orlando Pirates with a commanding three-goal lead on aggregate.
After the interval, Orlando Pirates focused on controlling the match rather than taking unnecessary risks. The Buccaneers remained composed in possession and maintained their defensive organisation, leaving Sekhukhune United with few opportunities to alter the contest.
The visitors found it difficult to create clear chances as Orlando Pirates blocked passing routes and prevented them from building sustained pressure.
The champions added a final blow in the closing minute through two substitutes. Mpho Padime and Tshepang Moremi combined effectively to open up the Sekhukhune United defence before the move reached Kamogelo Sebebele.
Sebebele made no mistake with the finish, completing a convincing result and extending Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run.
The Buccaneers are now pursuing an unprecedented fifth consecutive appearance in the MTN8 final. Their opponents will be decided by the other semi-final between Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Golden Arrows take a narrow 1-0 lead into Sunday’s second leg at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Also read: Bafana Bafana: Broos reveals assistant Mkhalele’s emotional decision
Readers can also enter The South African’s Winter Reader Survey for the chance to win R5,000.
