The MTN8 took the centre stage this past weekend with Mamelodi Sundowns, once again, falling short in the semi-finals for a second consecutive season, after losing 4-1 against Orlando Pirates in the penalty shoot-out. Having scored first in both legs, coach Miguel Cardoso’s charges failed to protect or extend their lead in both games. Teboho Mokoena scored with a header in the first leg, before Kamogelo Sebelebele restored parity for the Buccaneers following a perfect long pass from central defender and captain, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and beat Ronwen Williams with a low shot between his legs.
The second leg took place at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, with Sundowns playing hosts and going into the clash with an away goal advantage. As it was the case in the first leg at Orlando Stadium, Sundowns scored first again through Iqraam Rayners this time around, although it was still in the first half. Just when it looked like the Chloorkop-based team was set to break their Bucs hoodoo in cup competitions, Sebelebele was at it again. Following a move that started with a long pass from goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine to Deon Hotto on the left flank before he lobbed the ball to Relebohile Mofokeng, who set up Oswin Appollis into the box. The former Polokwane City attacker wasted no time in sending a perfect cross into Williams’ goal area, which was met by Tshegofatso Mabasa’s header which ricocheted to Sebelebele’s knee and went straight into the net. The two teams were tied and could only be separated by penalties where Chaine became a Bucs hero, once again in a shootout against Downs, as he stopped the first three penalties with Bucs scoring all four of their spot-kicks to win the game 4-1.
In the other semifinal clash, Stellenbosch FC visited Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium with a 2-0 lead, after taking full advantage of their Danie Craven Stadium home advantage in the first leg. The hosts almost had a perfect start when Keletso Makgalwa’s cross was met by Bradley Grobler inside the opposition box. The former SuperSport United player’s shot hit the crossbar before it was cleared away, with Stellies goalkeeper, Sage Stephens, well-beaten. However, Sekhukhune had to go through the last thing they needed to see happen as they were desperately chasing the game. Trying to build up from the back, coach Eric Tinkler’s charges were dispossessed and duly punished by a low shot from Mthetheleli Mthiyane, adding salt to their wounds and see coach Steve Barker’s team leading 3-0 on aggregate in the 20th minute. It was only in the 65th minute that Sekhukhune finally broke the ice with Siphesihle Mkhize finding the back of the net for Babina Noko although it proved to be little too late to bring them back into the game.
With Bucs and Stellies set to battle it out for the gong, we are all looking forward to the repeat of last year’s MTN8 cup final.
With that brief summary of the Play-Offs, have a go at selecting your Team of the Week and see how close you get to the official Soccer Laduma selection.
