Orlando Pirates' early opener was cancelled out by Cape Town City as the sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final tie in a gusty Cape Town.
On an icy Cape Town evening, the visitors started brightly, immediately putting pressure on the Citizens’ defence. However, City soon found their rhythm, creating their own chances as former Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe missed the target with an effort in the 12th minute.
Pirates’ early dominance was rewarded in the 15th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng broke the deadlock. He skillfully bypassed his defender and unleashed a shot that, despite Darren Keet’s touch, found its way into the net.
City almost equalized three minutes later when Haashim Domingo set up Prins Tjiueza, but Sipho Chaine managed to deflect the Namibian’s effort, which hit the crossbar and went over. Darwin Gonzalez had a header on target in the 26th minute, but it lacked power, allowing Chaine to gather it easily. A minute later, Kamohelo Mokotjo’s long-range attempt was also comfortably saved by Chaine.
City enjoyed a good spell of attacking play around the half-hour mark, with Jaedin Rhodes narrowly missing the target and Atrocious Petrus sending his shot wide in the 33rd minute. Mofokeng responded with a shot over the bar just a minute later.
Five minutes before the break, Patrick Maswanganyi came close with a deflected shot from the edge of the area. Rhodes then forced another save from Chaine in the 45th minute, but Pirates held onto their 1-0 lead at halftime.
City began the second half with renewed attacking intent, searching for the equalizer. Pirates’ defence held firm, but City eventually broke through in the 61st minute. Rhodes, who was outstanding for Eric Tinkler’s side in the second half, levelled the score with a powerful shot from inside the area that Chaine couldn’t keep out.
City continued to press, and Rhodes nearly put them ahead five minutes later, but Chaine managed to tip his effort over the bar.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Pirates introduced their new signing Gilberto for his official debut since joining from Petro De Luanda. In the 80th minute, Pirates had a rare chance on the counterattack, but Keet made a crucial save to deny Deon Hotto from a tight angle.
In the end, the sides could not be separated ahead of Saturday’s second leg at Orlando Stadium.
FULL TIME | All to play for in the second leg! 🔵⏸️#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/08WlxG5Mm8
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 28, 2024
