Sekhukhune United secured a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates in their league opener at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Pirates started the fixture brimming with confidence after their impressive win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final last week but came up against an organised and committed Sekhukhune who also secured a place in the competition’s semi-final.
Eric Tinkler’s side ousted TS Galaxy in Polokwane and made a few changes to their line up with captain Linda Mntambo and Thabang Monare adding experience into the XI.
While they looked good in the opening 10 minutes, Pirates took control of possession, but weren’t able to break down Babina Noko, with the closest they came to scoring, when Daniel Cardoso almost prodded the ball past his own goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner but it hit the post and out.
Just after the break, the visitors took the lead, as a frantic few seconds in the box saw the ball land to the feet of Siphesihle Mkhize, who just managed to squeeze the ball over the line despite Sipho Chaine’s attempt at a double save.
With 15 minutes to go teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi nearly found the equaliser but his headered effort struck the post and that was the closest, for all their efforts of chasing the game, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side came to scoring.
It marked a disappointing start to his tenure in the league at eSgodini, further compounded by Mamelodi Sundowns droppoing two points with a draw against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the earlier kickoff.
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