Pro Philani looks back at the past weekend’s local football as the first legs in each of the MTN8 semi-finals ended all square, the latest from the Hollywoodbets Super League and more!
All square after 90 at Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a goalless draw at the Orlando Stadium in their MTN8 fist-leg semi-final.
It was a highly tactical affair as both sides showed why they are regarded as favourites in this year’s league campaign. To the surprise of many, free-scoring Mamelodi Sundowns had zero shots on target in the whole 90 minutes thanks to proper defending and organisation from Pirates.
Peter Shalulile was tracked by at least two defenders whenever he looked to attack channels and spaces. Supply to Themba Zwane was also cut out, leaving the Brazilians short on ideas going forward.
Pirates had more clear-cut chances compared to the Brazilians but failed to convert where it mattered the most.
The mighty Bucs had three shots on target, with striker Zakhele Lepasa missing a one-on-one with the keeper. Pirates will be looking forward to the second leg in Polokwane as they will feel keeping a clean sheet at home gives them a slight advantage in two weeks’ time.
🗣️ Ndlondlo talks MAN OF THE MATCH - great debut. 🏴☠️ @SABC_Sport #SABCSPORT411 pic.twitter.com/flGPbrijIM
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) October 1, 2022
AmaZulu celebrate 90th birthday with an important away goal.
Ten-man AmaZulu fought hard to come back home with an important away goal scored by striker Gabadinho Mhango in the first half.
Brandon Truter’s men started the match on the front foot and attacked Amakhosi from the start and were duly rewarded when midfielder George Maluleka found Mhango whose scuffed shot rolled in past the outstreched boot of Itumeleng Khune. Soon after, AmaZulu went into defensive mode to take their lead to halftime.
The Amakhosi faithful will have no one to blame but their players as Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana and Ashley Du Preez missed clear-cut chances in both halves which could’ve handed the Soweto side a first-leg victory. Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane told the media he didn’t feel concerned about his players missing so many chances.
A clumsy moment Veluyeke Zulu saw the AmaZulu man issued his second yellow of the game in the 56th minute.
Chiefs would eventually be rewarded for their attacking endeavours as Keagan Dolly fired in for the equaliser.
Referee Victor Gomes stole the show after giving further three red cards to AmaZulu’s Gaba Mhango who was on the bench for allegedly insulting the fourth official, AmaZulu’s goalkeeper coach and Chiefs’ Lehlohonolo Matlou after the match has ended for attacking AmaZulu keeper Veli Mothwa.
The second legs of these games will be played on the 22nd of October for the right to play at the final which will be played at AmaZulu’s home venue, the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
⚽️ 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 ⚽️
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 2, 2022
Keagan Dolly got an equalizer for Amakhosi!
Kaizer Chiefs 🆚 AmaZulu
📺 SABC 1
📻 SABC Radio Stations#SABCSportFootball #MTN8 pic.twitter.com/K7spcCpseJ
TUT stunned at home as Downs open a gap at the top!
TUT suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to First Touch whilst Sundowns defeated Royal AM [Celtic] 3-0 at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammersdale, Durban, to seven points.
TUT had previously shocked Sundowns at home with a 1-0 win and were expected to continue with their form as they try to reduce the gap and challenge for the league title.
Now JVW, TUT, and UWC will look to battle for the second spot as Sundowns Ladies looks far from letting their top spot go.
Results from today's #HollywoodbetsSuperLeague action#BekeLeBekeSL#HWBSL pic.twitter.com/n342KKPwBX
— Hollywoodbets Super League (@HollywoodbetsSL) October 2, 2022
