Aerial pursuit: Match-altering Hotto header secures dramatic win for Pirates against Stellies

Zakhele Lepasa and Deon Hotto each found the net, steering Orlando Pirates to a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over a spirited 10-man Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

Stellies grabbed the lead through an Ismael Toure header shortly after Thabo Moloisane was given his marching with a straight red card.

In the second half, Lepasa expertly landed his eighth goal in seven matches with a precision-timed header.

Deon Hotto electrified the stadium, igniting a surge of jubilation as he sealed the victory with a sensational 94th-minute header, leaving the fans in a frenzy of exhilaration.

Zakhele Lepasa is in red-hot form ?He draws Pirates level and secures a vital away goal for Amabhakabhaka.?? Stream #MTN8 live: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x pic.twitter.com/qcvzbt8MzA

In the midst of a capacity crowd, the determined Cape Winelands squad was resolute, aiming to bestow a fitting tribute of victory upon their head coach, Steve Barker, who was celebrating his 200th match in charge of Stellies since his arrival at the club in 2017.

And they did just that in the opening minutes.

Barker's team strategically stretched Pirates by leveraging the wing-backs Fawaaz Basadien and Dean van Rooyen. Simultaneously, the blistering speed of Iqraam Rayners posed a constant challenge for the Pirates' defensive unit. Mthethwa diligently fulfilled his defensive role in the midfield, effectively neutralising any looming attacking threats.

As the first half progressed, Pirates gradually asserted their dominance, commanding possession while the home side adopted a defensive stance to absorb the mounting pressure.

However, the balance shifted dramatically when, after 32 minutes of play, Stellies found themselves