MTN8 semi-final showdown: History favours Orlando Pirates win over Mamelodi Sundowns
Orlando Pirates' Deon Hotto and Mamelodi Sundowns' Luzuko Mdunyelwa fight for the ball during their MTN8, first-leg semi-final match.
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Orlando Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final, with the match poised at 1-1 after the first leg last weekend.
Here are a few pointers about this highly anticipated clash.
Tightly contested tie
The first leg saw Pirates equalise late in the game to end in a 1-1 stalemate. This sets the stage for a dramatic return match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the 2025 final.
Pirates’ strong recent record
Pirates have been a tough opponent for Sundowns in their recent MTN8 meetings, remaining unbeaten in their last five clashes (one win and four draws). This includes a victorious penalty shootout in the 2023 final after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Possible penalty drama ahead
If the match ends in another 1-1 draw, the tie will once again be decided by penalties, marking the third occasion these teams have landed themselves in such a scenario. Historically, Pirates triumphed in a semi-final replay back in 1993 after a 1-1 draw.
MTN8 head-to-head history
Overall, Sundowns and Pirates have clashed in 15 MTN8 matches: 11 in the semi-finals, alongside two quarter-finals and two finals. In these encounters, Pirates lead with five wins compared to Sundowns' four, with six matches ending in a draw.
Historical wins
The teams have exchanged some heavy defeats in their history. Sundowns’ record win against Pirates was a 6-1 thrashing in 1990, although this was overshadowed by a record 6-0 league defeat to Pirates in 2016.
Home advantage statistics
In MTN8 matches played at Sundowns' home ground, the Brazilians have won two, with three draws and one victory attributed to Pirates — a stunning 3-0 success in the second leg of the 2022 semi-final after a goalless first leg.
Overall head-to-head record
Since the inception of the National Soccer League in 1985, Sundowns and Pirates have met 115 times, with Sundowns holding a slim lead with 47 wins compared to Pirates' 34, alongside 34 draws. In terms of goals scored, Sundowns have netted 151 to Pirates' 110.