Cape Town City battled back to draw 1-1 with Orlando Pirates in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Wednesday evening.
MTN8
Result: Cape Town City 1-1 Orlando Pirates
Date: 28 August 2024
Venue: DHL Stadium
Coach Jose Riveiro went with the same side that started the 4-0 win over Disciples in their CAF Champions League tie last Friday, while City were boosted by the return of Jaedin Rhodes who missed the quarter-final due to suspension.
The Buccaneers made their dominant start count on 14 minutes when Relebohile Mofokeng latched onto a long ball over the top and fired past City goalkeeper Darren Keen in one-on-one situation.
While Keet was unable to keep out Mofokeng's effort, Sipho Chaine came out on top at the other end as the Buccaneers produced a fine stop to deflect Prins Tjiueza's shot on to the crossbar.
Eric Tinkler's charges enjoyed a strong finish to the first period they were unluck not to have equalised on the stroke of halftime when Rhodes burst through on goal, but Chaine produced another great save to ensure Pirates entered the break leading.
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The second half was more improved from the home side as Haashim Domingo and Prins Tjiueza causing a bit of problems in the final third, as they pushed for the equaliser.
The Citizens got their reward on the hour mark when Tshegofatso Nyama did well to pick out Rhodes, who took a couple touches in the box before firing past Chaine via a deflection for his first goal of the campaign.
Riveiro made a surprising switch for the final 25 minutes as Mofokeng made way for Makhehlene Makhaula, with the hope gaining more control of the ball as City were pushing for a second.
It proved to be quite an end-to-end affair in the closing stages of the second half, but neither side were able to bag the go-ahead goal although Pirates head to the second leg with the away goal advantage.
The second leg is scheduled to take on place on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
Here's how they lined up:
Cape Town City: Keet, Mkhize, Cupido, Petrus, Nyama, Mokotjo, Tijueza, Domingo, Rhodes, Makaringe, Gonzalez.
Subs: Oliaro, Ziba, Fisher, Frances, Goedeman, Sereetsi, Slatsha, Ahshene, Amato
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Monyane, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto, Mbatha, Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Saleng, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Rasebotja, Maela, Makhaula, Sibisi, Timm, Kimvuidi, Makgopa, Gilberto.
