Pirates too strong for Wits

Johannesburg - A strong second half showing form Orlando Pirates saw them run out 2-0 winners over Bidvest Wits in their MTN8 semi-final, first leg match at Bidvest Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After a rather dull opening 45 minutes the game sprang into life in the second stanza with goals from Siyabonga Sangweni and Thabo Matlaba handing the Buccaneers a two goal advantage ahead of the second leg next weekend.

The first 45 minutes was a snooze fest as both teams struggled to find their rhythm and chances on goal were few and far between.

The most significant action from the opening half came in the 37th minute when Sangweni met a corner-kick, but the Pirates captain headed wide from ten-yards out.

The second half was a much more entertaining affair, with the Buccaneers in particular looking more threatening in attack.

Pirates made their pressure tell 10 minutes after restart when Sangweni volleyed home a corner-kick from six-yards out under no pressure whatsoever, 1-0.

The away side then doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when a quick counter-attacking move saw Thabo Matlaba break through on goal and he duly slipped the ball under the onrushing keeper,2-0.

Wits tried to find their way back into the game, but were unable to do so and are left with a mountain to climb in the second leg next weekend.

Teams:

Bidvest Wits
Mabokgwane, Hlatshwayo, Gumede, Nergadze, Shongwe (Kebede 62’), Losper (Sheppard 78’), Vilakazi, Katongo, Mkhwanazi, Botes (Ngcobo 70’), Bhasera

Orlando Pirates
Meyiwa, Mahamutsa, Nyauza, Matlaba, Sangweni, Sarr, Ntshumayelo, Klate (Myeni 72’), Manyisa, Makola (Qalinge 86’), Erasmus (Pelembe 91’)