Staff Reporter.
Kamogelo Sebelebeles’ late strike rescued a 1-1 draw for Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal clash at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
The match was played in a jam-packed stadium that was blanketed in a sea of black and white from the Pirates supporters and a wave of yellow and blue from the visiting Sundowns faithful.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is skating on thin ice after failing to register a victory for three games on the trot.
Sundowns lost captain Themba Zwane in the 13th minute due to a thigh muscle injury, but the Brazilians continued to probe their hosts as the dominant side early into the battle.
They were duly rewarded when Teboho Mokoena headed in a corner kick delivery from Marcelo Allende nine minutes before the halftime break.
Sipho Chaine denied Sundowns a second with a fantastic double save two minutes later, first stopping Arthur Sales’ long-range effort before saving Tashreeq Matthews’ second attempt from close range.
In the 52nd minute, Relebohile Mofokeng found Evidence Makgopa with a creative lob over the Brazilians’ defence and into the box, but the striker slipped at the vital moment and could not get a shot off.
Mofokeng forced Ronwen Williams into action in the 80th minute after being played in by substitute Tshepang Moremi, with the keeper denying the youngster his first contribution of the season.
Sebelebele struck in the 87th minute to give Pirates a well-deserved equaliser. He was sent loose by Mbekezeli Mbokazi and charged down the right-hand side, beating Williams, who slipped, to draw his side level.