Sebelebele Saves Pirates with Late Equaliser Against Sundowns
image: Orlando Pirates/page
by Lwandiso Simanga
Kamogelo Sebelebele’s late strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The 22-year-old winger, who joined Pirates from TS Galaxy less than a month ago, delivered a performance to remember, using his blistering pace throughout and finally rewarding the Buccaneers faithful with a superb 87th-minute equaliser.
Pirates, captained by 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi, showed early intent but struggled with their finishing, caught offside six times in the first half. Sebelebele was at the centre of the action, first beating Aubrey Modiba in the opening minute and later missing a golden opportunity from a Deon Hotto cross.
Sundowns were dealt a blow in the 13th minute when captain Themba Zwane was stretchered off and replaced by Jayden Adams. Despite the setback, the visitors took the lead in the 36th minute as Teboho Mokoena headed home from a Marcello Allende corner. Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine kept the deficit at one with a brilliant double save shortly after.
The second half saw both sides create chances. Relebohile Mofokeng’s clever lob set up Evidence Makgopa, who slipped at the decisive moment, while Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners forced Chaine into another sharp save.
image: Orlando Pirates/page
Substitute Tshepang Moremi nearly inspired a breakthrough when he set up Mofokeng, but Ronwen Williams was alert to the danger. Just when Sundowns looked set to take an away win, Mbokazi released Sebelebele down the right. The winger surged forward, capitalised on Williams’ slip, and coolly slotted home to level the contest.
Despite late pressure from the Buccaneers, both teams settled for a share of the spoils, leaving everything to play for in next Saturday’s decisive second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Before then, Pirates face Stellenbosch in the Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, while Sundowns travel to Limpopo to meet Magesi.
Final Score:
Orlando Pirates 1 (Sebelebele 87’)
Mamelodi Sundowns 1 (Mokoena 36’)