Sebelebele's late equaliser saves Pirates against Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final

ORLANDO PIRATES        (0)(1)

Sebelebele 86

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (1)(0)

Mokoena    36’

THIS was meant to be a national dialogue — two of the best sides in the land exchanging ideas on how they plan to reign supreme — but it almost turned out to be a monologue.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning kings of South African football, were close to once again making a mockery of their rivals Orlando Pirates, until they conceded late.

Sundowns drew 1-1 with Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but they showed exactly why they’ve been the dominant force.

The Brazilians produced a solid and controlled performance that signaled their intent to dominate this season — despite the challenges of losing key players.

This result also mounted further pressure on Pirates’ new commander-in-chief, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who came into the match on the back of consecutive defeats in the Betway Premiership.

Ouaddou’s critics had argued that he was too quick to chop and change his side, favouring new signings instead of building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro.

And in perhaps trying to respond to calls for the return of experienced players, Ouaddou handed starts to Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha for the first time this season.

The duo had mixed outings — with van Rooyen sluggish and guilty of losing possession cheaply, while Mbatha did his best to dictate play in the engine room.

Despite MTN being the title sponsor, this was a game of national importance, sparking conversation about the state of South African football.

Fittingly, it was staged at a national institution — Orlando Stadium, the so-called “Mecca of South African football.”

Its importance was evident even among those absent, such as Kaizer Chiefs’ analysts, who certainly weren’t missing out on the occasion.

While the bums on seats included Pirates’ Ghost, Sundowns’ Masandawana, hate-watchers, and neutrals, the responsibility still rested on the 22 players on the pitch.

And they did not disappoint. Sundowns, the ruling party of South African football for the last eight seasons, defied hostile territory and dictated play from the outset.

They dominated proceedings early, probing for a breakthrough, and forcing Pirates’ defence to stay alert and resolute.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the young leader of Pirates’ midfield, showed his composure against seasoned opponents, rarely buckling under pressure and winning key duels.

But while the Pirates youngster thrived, his coach on the touchline cut a less convincing figure — his dress code and demeanour raising questions about his credentials.

Clad in a puffer jacket and baggy pants, Ouaddou stood robotically at the touchline, only once energising the Ghost when he neatly chest-trapped the ball in the first half.

In contrast, his counterpart Miguel Cardoso was smartly dressed in slim-fit pants, a fitted jacket, and crisp white sneakers, exuding confidence.

And while Cardoso had bullied his rivals to claim the Coach of the Season award in his debut campaign, he is well aware of his team’s struggles against Pirates in cup competitions.

Still, Cardoso was unfazed — insisting he wanted to carve his own path and set new milestones.

His plans took an early blow when he lost captain Themba Zwane to injury, but Sundowns’ depth came to the fore.

Jayden Adams entered the fray and immediately nullified the threat of Mbatha in midfield, bringing order and discipline to Sundowns’ structure.

Their resilience paid off when Teboho Mokoena powered home a header from a Marcello Allende corner.

Masandawana supporters behind Sipho Chaine’s goal erupted in euphoria, while the Ghost — who made up nearly three-quarters of the crowd — fell silent.

The setback, however, seemed to awaken Pirates. The players returned from the break with renewed energy, even as Ouaddou cut a subdued, pressured figure on the sidelines.

Pirates huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser. Evidence Makgopa’s header rattled the crossbar from a corner before they finally struck gold.

Kamogelo Sebelebe slotted home in stoppage time — just as Sundowns were beginning to taste yet another commanding victory over their closest rivals.

The tie now heads into Saturday’s decider with two clear approaches: Sundowns will aim to start on the front foot, while Pirates will hope to begin as strongly as they finished here.