By Levy Masiteng
The MTN8 semi-finals reach their decisive stage this weekend, with Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns facing must-win assignments as Orlando Pirates and Lamontville Golden Arrows look to protect narrow first-leg advantages, with the away goal advantage, and book their places in the final.
The two ties could not be more finely poised, with just one goal separating each of the four teams after the opening legs.
Sekhukhune United will have to overcome the odds when they travel to the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against defending champions and past five times winners Orlando Pirates.
The match kicks off at 15:00.
Pirates claimed the advantage in the first leg at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium last Saturday, with Deon Hotto scoring shortly before half-time to secure a hard-fought victory. The Buccaneers also extended their unbeaten run in the MTN8 to 11 matches.
Hotto’s goal came after a promising attacking move involving Simphiwe Masilela, Oswin Appollis and Gamphani Lungu, before the Namibian forward finished from close range.
For Sekhukhune, however, the tie is far from over. A one-goal deficit means victory in Soweto by two goals would send Babina Noko through, while a 1-0 win would leave the aggregate score level and force extra time and potentially a penalty shootout
The challenge for Sekhukhune is that they will be facing a Pirates side that has already beaten them twice in the space of a week.
The Buccaneers followed their MTN8 victory with a 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Sekhukhune at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, with Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis on the scoresheet.
That latest victory will give Pirates additional confidence, but it also increases the pressure on Sekhukhune to produce a response when the two sides meet for the third time in eight days.
For Pirates, the objective is straightforward: avoid defeat and reach the MTN8 final as they continue their dominance of the domestic season opening cup.
The Soweto giants have put themselves in a strong position, but their narrow advantage means there is little room for complacency.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, attention turns to Durban, where Golden Arrows will defend their 1-0 advantage against Mamelodi Sundowns at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
The match is scheduled for 15:00 at the Sugar Ray Xulu stadium in Arrows backyard of Clar⁷emont.
Arrows produced one of the biggest surprises of the semi-final first legs when they stunned Sundowns 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Sunday through a 37th minute goal by Junior Dion. The result handed Abafana Bes’thende a precious advantage going into the return fixture.
The victory was particularly significant for Arrows because it ended Sundowns’ long unbeaten home run, with the Brazilians suffering their first home defeat in more than a year.
Now Arrows have the difficult task of protecting that lead against a Sundowns side with considerable experience of high-pressure knockout football.
Sundowns know exactly what is required. A victory by two goals would take them into the final, while a 1-0 win would level the aggregate score and send the tie into extra time and potentially penalties.
The pressure is therefore firmly on the Brazilians. Having dominated South African football over the past decade, Sundowns will be determined to avoid an early cup exit and overturn what was a shock first-leg result.
Arrows, meanwhile, will be looking to turn their impressive first-leg performance into a place in the MTN8 final. They know that they do not necessarily need to win in Durban preserving their aggregate advantage would be enough to send them through.
For all four clubs, the second legs represent more than just another fixture.
Pirates are attempting to defend the title after winning the competition for the last four editions, while Sundowns will be desperate to respond after surrendering home advantage to Arrows.
For Sekhukhune and Arrows, reaching the final would provide an opportunity to challenge two of the country’s biggest clubs for the first major silverware of the season.
The weekend promises two tense encounters in which one moment could decide who reaches the MTN8 final.
