MTN8 Semi-Finals Betting Guide and Stats by OptaJabu

Another bumper weekend in South African football, this time it’s the MTN 8 semi-finals. OptaJabu has crunched the numbers and gives statistics to inform you on the best betting options for this weekend.

Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundown

The two teams that have won the MTN8 over the last two seasons duel it out on Saturday in a Cup semi-final filled with some intriguing subplots. Not only are they the last two champions in this tournament, they are also 1st and 2nd on the league table currently. Crikey! It’s their first clash this year, a direct consequence of the five matches they managed to squeeze in during 2021. Sundowns won all five matches last year by an aggregate score 14-2, so they’ll be hoping to continue that run.

But that was a while ago. Since then, Pirates have a new coach, players like Kermit Erasmus have crossed the line, and they look a much better outfit than they did 12 months ago. Plus, Pirates have a better record in this competition. No PSL team has been to the final on more occasions (joint-most with 7) and no PSL team has lifted a Top8 title more than them (joint-most with 4). They also have a good Cup record against Sundowns.

1 – Pirates have lost just one of the last six Cup matches against Sundowns, drawing one but winning the other four.

For the superstitious, this will be Pirates’ 20th Cup home game played in October, and they are unbeaten in the previous 19 (W13 D6 in the PSL era).

You can bet on Pirates win or a draw

You can bet on over 1.5 goals

Kaizer Chiefs v AmaZulu

On Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs host AmaZulu in the second semi-final. One could argue that Arthur Zwane needs this more than Brandon Truter, but the latter would probably laugh that assertion off. Chiefs are in better form, however, unbeaten in four matches, including a fine 2-1 win over SuperSport before the break. Usuthu have won one of the last five. The teams have finished level over three meetings since the start of last season, and that could be an indicator of another tight game. Even some of the underlying numbers are close, despite slightly favouring Chiefs (12 shots per game to 11, 4 shots on target per game to 3.5, and 1.4 xG per game to 1.1). 

Yet, we’re going with Chiefs here, confidently at least for the home leg. AmaZulu have won one of twelve away matches in domestic Cups (D3 L8 since 2014). Their direct record against Amakhosi isn’t any better.

2 – AmaZulu have won just two of their last 15 visits to Chiefs (Won 2 Drew 4 Lost 9, all comps).

We’ll side with the bookies on this one.

You can bet on a Chiefs win or a draw

You can bet on under 1.5 goals

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