Olisa Ndah leads Orlando Pirates to a hard-fought draw in MTN 8 semifinal

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Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah marked his return to the Super Eagles squad with a captain’s performance as he led Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 draw against Cape Town City in the first leg of the MTN 8 semifinal.

The 26-year-old centre-back, formerly of Akwa United, showcased his leadership and defensive prowess throughout the match, earning praise from fans and commentators alike. Ndah’s commanding presence at the back was crucial in helping the Buccaneers secure a valuable away result, setting up an intriguing second leg at Orlando Stadium.

Orlando Pirates took an early lead through Relebohile Mofokeng, but Cape Town City mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, denying Ndah and his teammates a clean sheet. Despite the equalizer, Ndah’s performance was described as “solid” by fans on social media, with many highlighting his importance to the team’s defensive stability.

READ MORE: Ekong, Awoniyi, Ndah return in Super Eagles squad for Benin Republic and Rwanda AFCON qualifiers

Ndah’s leadership on the pitch has been recognized beyond his defensive duties. By wearing the captain’s armband, he has etched his name in Orlando Pirates’ history as only the third Nigerian to captain the prestigious South African side, following in the footsteps of Sam Pam and Wilson Okpara. This achievement underscores the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and his pivotal role within the team.

Ndah’s strong display in the MTN 8 semifinal comes at a significant time, as he has also been recalled to the Nigerian national team. New Super Eagles coach Bruno Labbadia included Ndah in his 23-man squad for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. This call-up marks Ndah’s return to the national team after a long absence, with his last appearance for the Super Eagles dating back to 2022.

As the second leg of the MTN 8 semifinal approaches, Ndah will be aiming to lead Orlando Pirates to victory and secure a place in the final. His recent form, coupled with the boost from his national team recall, could prove pivotal in the Buccaneers’ quest for silverware.

The second leg is scheduled for Saturday at the Orlando Stadium, where Ndah and his teammates will look to capitalize on their strong position and continue their pursuit of the MTN 8 title.