MTN 8 Semifinal Match Report: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Play Out Tense Draw in Soweto

MTN 8 Semifinal Match Report: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Play Out Tense Draw in Soweto

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:13 PM
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  • The first leg of the MTN 8 semifinal tie between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns ended in a tense 0-0 draw
  • The Buccaneers were the much better team for the duration of the encounter at Orlando Stadium
  • The two teams will play on the 22nd of October, where the matter of who will go to the final will be settled

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the 2022 MTN 8 semifinals.

The encounter took place at a packed Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

orlando pirates, mamelodi sundowns, mtn 8, wafa wafa, orlando stadium
Orlando Pirates could not find the knockout blow against Mamelodi Sundowns. Image source: @iDiskiTimes.
Source: Twitter

On the balance of play, the Buccaneers were the better team for much of the tense fixture. They hit the post on one occasion, while last-ditch defending and outstanding goalkeeping kept their visitors in the match.

Jose Riveiro might be disappointed that his charges did not get the result, but he will be pleased that they did not concede the crucial away goal. They will be chasing this one when Sundowns hosts them in three weeks.

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For the 'Three Musketeers' leading the Brazilians, they were either outplayed or probably hiding their hand and saving something for their opponents next time out.

Starting line-ups:

Orlando Pirates: 31. Richard Ofori, 23. Innocent Maela, 5. Nkosinathi Sibis, 49. Olisa Ndah, 20. Goodman Mosele, 4. Miguel Timm, 26. Bandile Shandu, 11. Deon Hotto, 14. Monnapule Saleng, 15. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, 25. Zakhele Lepasa

Subs: 40. Siyabonga Mpontshane, 45. Vincent Pule, 29. Paseka Mako, 27. Tapelo Xoki, 18. Kabelo Dlamini, 15. Fortune Makaringe, 6. Ben Motshwari, 45. Kermit Erasmus

Mamelodi Sundowns: 32. Ronwen Williams, 17. Aubrey Modiba, 17. Khuliso Mudau, 30. Grant Kekana, Rushine De Reuck, 15. Andile Jali, 4. Teboho Mokoena, 35. Neo Maema, 18. Themba Zwane, 12. Thabiso Kutumela, 38. Peter Shalulile

Subs: 14. Dennis Onyango, 27. Thapelo Morena, 37. Sifiso Ngobeni, 33. Cassius Mailula, 11. Marcelo Allende, 5. Mosa Lebusa, 8. Bongani Zungu, 10. Gaston Sirino, Erwin Saavedra

FIFA 23 ratings surprise for Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs

The ratings of the South African teams included in FIFA 23 have been revealed.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are available to those who want to play with them. There was nothing sinister about what led to this turn of events, with reports stating that the country's leadership chose this course of action. Apparently, the West African country is not ready for the event.

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Keba Mothoagae
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