Headers Galore as Bucs Beat Stellenbosch 2-1

Orlando Pirates showed their mettle following their 2-1 triumph over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Sunday, 3 September.

Playing at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, Western Cape, Stellenbosch proved to Pirates that they weren’t pushovers, displaying a fierce intensity that matched that of their Gauteng visitors.

This culminated in a red card being issued to Stellies centre-back Thabo Moloisane in the 32nd minute for a crude tackle on Patrick Maswanganyi. Regardless, it didn’t stop Stellies from claiming a goal – thanks to a header from Ismael Toure – 13 minutes later.

Come the second half, the Bucs bounced back in style: centre forward Zakhele Lepasa scored an equaliser in the 66th minute (and simultaneously scored his fourth goal of the competition), neatly netting a header that whizzed past goalkeeper Sage Stephens.

In stoppage time, midfielder Deon Hotto secured victory for the Bucs with a dazzling header of his own.

The second leg of the MTN8 semi-final will see Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC clash once again, this time at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Gauteng on 23 September – will the home team come out on top, or will Stellies steal the show?

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