Orlando Pirates scored early but it ended 1-1 against Cape Town City in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final tie at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday evening.
It was a cold and chilly night in Cape Town, but, fortunately, there was no sign of the heavy rain and gale-force winds that had forced this match to be postponed by a day.
It was a bright start by the visitors, who put early pressure on the Citizen’s defence. But City began to also get opportunities, though former Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe was off target with his attempt in the 12th minute.
But Pirates’ early pressure paid off and Relebohile Mofokeng found the opening goal in the 15th minute, as he got past his defender and fired in a shot, and while Darren Keet got a touch, the ball found the net.
City went close to levelling matters three minutes later, as Prins Tjiueza was played in by Haashim Domingo, but Sipho Chaine got a touch to the Namibian’s effort which struck the crossbar and went over. Darwin Gonzalez was on target in the 26th minute, but his header lacked power and Chaine comfortably gathered. Kamohelo Mokotjo’s effort from outside the box a minute later was also saved easily by Chaine.
Jaedin Rhodes was off target on the half-hour mark as City enjoyed a good period of attack. Atrocious Petrus’ attempt in the 33rd minute was also wayward. At the other end Mofokeng shot over a minute later.
Patrick Maswanganyi went close five minutes before the half-time break, but his shot from the edge of the area deflected behind. Rhodes forced a saved from Chaine in the 45th minute, and at the break Pirates remained 1-0 in front.
City started the second half with an attacking impetus, looking for a goal that would bring them level, but Pirates’ defence stood firm despite their attempts.
But finally City’s efforts paid off as Rhodes, who was excellent for Eric Tinkler’s team in the second half, made it 1-1 in the 61st minute, firing in from just inside the area, and Chaine’s efforts couldn’t stop the attempt.
Five minutes later, and with City still doing the pressing, Rhodes went close again, but this time, Chaine was able to tip over.
With fifteen minutes to go, Pirates brought on their new signing Gilberto for his first official match since joining from Petro De Luanda. In the 80th minute, and with City still on the front foot, Pirates did have a chance on the break, but Keet made a good save to deny Deon Hotto from an acute angle.
When the final whistle, it remained 1-1. The two teams will meet in the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
