Pirates and Cape Town City Share Spoils in MTN8 Semi-Final First Leg

Orlando Pirates scored early but ended up drawing 1-1 with Cape Town City in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final clash at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Despite the chilly Cape Town weather, the game saw no heavy rain or strong winds that had initially delayed the match by a day.

Pirates made a bright start, putting early pressure on the Citizens’ defense.

Cape Town City, however, soon found their rhythm, with former Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe narrowly missing the target in the 12th minute.

Pirates’ early pressure finally paid off in the 15th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net.

After getting past his defender, Mofokeng fired a shot that, despite a touch from City’s goalkeeper Darren Keet, still ended up in the net.

Just three minutes later, City nearly drew level. Haashim Domingo played in Prins Tjiueza, whose shot hit the crossbar after a slight touch from Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Darwin Gonzalez had another opportunity to score in the 26th minute, but his header lacked power, and Chaine saved comfortably.

A minute later, Kamohelo Mokotjo tried his luck from outside the box, but Chaine was again up to the task.

City’s Jaedin Rhodes missed the target on the half-hour mark, and Atrocious Petrus also failed to convert a chance in the 33rd minute.

Pirates had their moments, too, with Mofokeng firing over a minute later and Patrick Maswanganyi’s shot deflecting behind just before the break.

Rhodes forced another save from Chaine right before halftime, and Pirates went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Cape Town City came out strong in the second half, pressing for an equalizer, and their efforts finally paid off in the 61st minute.

Rhodes, who impressed in the second half, fired a shot from just inside the area that Chaine couldn’t keep out, making it 1-1.

Five minutes later, Rhodes came close again, but this time Chaine managed to tip the ball over the bar.

Pirates introduced their new signing, Gilberto, in the 75th minute for his debut since joining from Petro De Luanda.

Although City remained the more attacking side, Pirates had a chance to snatch a late winner in the 80th minute, but Keet made a fine save to deny Deon Hotto.

In the end, the match finished 1-1, setting up a decisive second leg at Orlando Stadium in Orlando, Johannesburg on Saturday.

The draw extends Cape Town City’s unbeaten streak in domestic cup competitions played on Wednesdays to five matches, having won their previous four encounters before facing Pirates.

Both teams will now look to secure their place in the final when they meet again for the second leg.