Abdeslam Ouaddou survives another home defeat as defending champions Orlando Pirates fight back against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals

Sundowns lost captain Themba Zwane in the 13th minute due to a thigh muscle injury, but the Brazilians continued to probe their hosts as the dominant side early into the battle.  

They were duly rewarded when Teboho Mokoena headed in a corner kick delivery from Marcelo Allende nine minutes before the halftime break. 

On an afternoon, Evidence Makgopa made his season debut for Pirates, alongside Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha. The former Baroka FC star was denied by the upright post with 10 minutes to go as Pirates pushed for a comeback.

However, the Buccaneers managed to hit back with three minutes remaining when Kamogelo Sebelebele beat Ronwen Williams after coming to the end of a long ball from Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his first goal in Pirates colours. 

After conceding at home in this 1-1 draw, Pirates have an uphill task to overturn this result in the second leg in Tshwane against Masandawana, who now enjoy the advantage of an away goal.

Zuko Mdunyelwa emerged as the best-performing man on the pitch on a day he justified his selection into the starting line-up. 

The Masandawana right-back did well to contain the Pirates duo of Deon Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng.   

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is skating on thin ice after failing to register a victory for three games on the trot. 

Already under pressure going into Saturday's match, the Moroccan's future at the Soweto giants is now a subject of speculation.

Although Pirates have not yet exited this competition, being booted out will heavily stain Ouaddou's name after inheriting a team that won the MTN8 for three successive seasons.     

The Buccaneers will be at Orlando Stadium against Stellenbosch on Wednesday in their bid to collect maximum points in the Premier Soccer League for the first time this season.  

On the same evening, Masandawana visit Magesi FC in Limpopo as they try to seal a second straight league victory. 

After that, Sundowns welcome Pirates at Lucas Moripe Stadium for the second leg of this MTN8 semi-finals next weekend.