Semi-Final Preview for MTN8: Predicting the Qualifying Teams for the Final Match
Get Ready for a Thrilling Weekend! 🚀
The race for the 2024 MTN8 finals heats up this weekend, with some intense clashes on the horizon. Things kick off on Saturday when Orlando Pirates square off against Cape Town City, followed by Stellenbosch and Sundowns on Sunday. These knockout matches are shaping up to be nail-biters as the teams fight tooth and nail for a spot in the finals. Let's dive into the numbers behind the action!
Saturday: Orlando Pirates v Cape Town City 🏴☠️
Pirates bid to capitalize on home advantage after conceding a draw in the first leg. Even a scoreless draw would see them advance, but head coach Jose Riveiro won't settle for scraping through. It's been three years since Pirates last conceded two goals at home in a Cup game (vs Swallows in the 2021 MTN8 quarters). Can Cape Town City pull off an upset?
- This marks only the second time that Pirates have drawn the first leg away from home in an MTN8 semi-final (2012). In that match, they lost the second leg 3-0 to SuperSport.
If Pirates can take control in the first half, as they struggled to do on Wednesday, they'll be in the driver's seat. Experienced players like Haashim Domingo, Kamogelo Mokotjo, and Fortune Makaringe will need to step up for Cape Town City. With victories over Sundowns and Sekhukhune United recently, Eric Tinkler will be confident of repeating the blueprint. If they manage to hold out in the first half, they have a fighting chance of nicking a tight contest late on. Tinkler coaches against Pirates for the 15th time in total and has secured just one win so far (P13 W1 D7 L6).
Sunday: Stellenbosch v Sundowns 🐓
After a hard-fought 1-0 win in the first leg, Stellenbosch aims to continue their impressive start to the season and secure their place in the final. They've earned four wins in a row across two competitions thus far. Despite playing away from their home ground, Sundowns promise to be formidable opponents. While playing away from their fans is a hindrance, Stellenbosch may have an advantage as they'll play their third match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in three weeks.
- Stellenbosch is on a mission to win five consecutive games for the first time since their 2019 promotion to the top-flight.
Sundowns have struggled to find the back of the net in their past competitive matches, despite firing 35 shots on goal. They failed to convert a single big chance against Polokwane City but did create three against Stellenbosch. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi will demand more of the same from his team if they are to achieve something they've never done before: overcome a first-leg deficit and make it to the MTN8 finals.
Did You Know? 🌟
- Winning the 2024 MTN8 Cup was a feat Orlando Pirates managed to pull off, along with success in 2023 and 2022.
- Cape Town City captured the MTN8 Cup in 2018, while Stellenbosch FC has not been mentioned among the past winners.
- Mamelodi Sundowns have claimed the MTN8 Cup in years past, most recently in 2021.
Gamble responsibly! 🎲
Accumulator- Amazulu- Kaizer Chiefs- Mamelodi Sundowns- Orlando Pirates- Stellenbosch FC
Editor's Choice 🏆- Bet Now: PSL
Multiple Betting 🤑- Bet Central Contributor
Soccer Multi 🎯- Winning five consecutive games for the first time since their 2019 promotion to the top-flight, Stellenbosch FC is eyeing a historical achievement against formidable opponents Sundowns.- Orlando Pirates has its work cut out, with coach Jose Riveiro setting lofty expectations for his team. Can they overcome Cape Town City and advance to the MTN8 finals? Tune in to find out!
Stay tuned for more predictions, analysis, and betting tips right here! 😊
This weekend's thrilling matches include a football clash between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, where the Pirates will aim to use home advantage to advance despite drawing the first leg. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch will strive to win five consecutive games for the first time since their 2019 promotion when they take on Sundowns, who are looking to overcome a first-leg deficit and make it to the MTN8 finals. Keep an eye on these sports events for potential betting opportunities.
