Pirates squeeze into MTN8 final despite defeat

Orlando Pirates made it to the final of the MTN8, despite losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in the second leg of the semifinal, played at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Pirates had beaten Stellies 2-1 in the first leg at Athlone Stadium, leaving the teams to end up playing to a 2-2 draw on aggregate, but the Buccaneers go through on the away goals rule.

This was another poor performance in front of goal for Pirates, who have now lost three games in a row.

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro, however, would be happy to be making it to his second MTN8 final in a row despite the result, as they look to defend their title. They will surely have to play far better, however, in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Stellenbosch began the game like a house on fire, with Devin Titus forcing a great save from Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine in the sixth minute.

There was also a great opportunity for the away side to grab the lead after a long ball aimed for striker Iqraam Rayners, but defender Sandile Mthethwa cleared the danger.

In the 22^nd minute, the Cape side finally managed to take the lead after a powerful shot by Rayners was deflected into the back of the net by Zakhele Lepasa.

The goal injected some confidence in the Stellies players with the team playing some positive football with the hope of going to the final.  

Hotto goes close

Deon Hotto almost found an equaliser for the hosts in the 39^th minute with a well taken free-kick, but Sage Stephens was equal to the task making a fine save.

The game went into the break with Pirates putting more pressure on the Stellenbosch defenders with Monnapule Saleng shouting for a penalty after falling into the box, but the scoreline remained the same going into half-time.

Just before the hour mark, some beautiful skill from Deon Hotto presented the Namibian with a chance to level matters, but it wasn’t to be.

Time was running out for the  Sea Robbers, with Jose Riveiro’s men playing in a rush.

That saw them fail to capitalise on any chances created, as they kept on losing balls.

Stellies, at other end, were also desperate to get a goal in order to go through to the final.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, some nice ball control by Lepasa saw him almost getting a goal for Pirates, but Stephens managed to tip the ball over the bar.

The Capetonians tried hard to to score the second as they pushed more players forward, but things were not going their way.