Mofokeng’s quick-fire brace propels Pirates to victory over Sundowns
Relebohile Mofokeng’s quickfire brace secured a 2-1 victory for Orlando Pirates over Mamelodi Sundowns in their Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The 20-year-old scored twice within two minutes, enough to earn maximum points against the defending champions, for whom Khuliso Mudau scored a second-half consolation goal.
This win sees Pirates close the gap on league leaders Sundowns to 15 points, although the Soweto giants have played four fewer matches than Bafana Ba Style.
Jose Riveiro opted for three changes to his starting lineup from their previous match against Stellenbosch FC. Goodman Mosele, Mohau Nkota, and Tshegofatso Mabasa made way for the introduction of Tapelo Xoki, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa.
Meanwhile, Miguel Cardoso made only one change to his starting eleven from their game against AmaZulu FC, with Marcelo Allende stepping in to replace Divine Lunga.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani made a lightning-fast start, taking the lead in just the third minute. Relebohile Mofokeng was on hand to tap the ball into the net after a well-placed cross from Evidence Makgopa.
The young forward then doubled his tally just a minute later, capitalising on a defensive error by Sundowns to slot home his second goal.
The visitors were struggling to gain a foothold in the match, finding it challenging to carve out any meaningful opportunities in the final third.
They had a chance to test the Pirates’ defense in the 14th minute with a free kick on the edge of the box, but Teboho Mokoena’s effort was blocked by the wall.
Pirates were fortunate in the 21st minute when their woodwork came to their rescue, deflecting Grant Kekana’s powerful header from a corner kick and keeping Sundowns off the scoresheet.
The pressure from Sundowns continued, and in the 26th minute, Pirates’ hearts were in their mouths once more as Lucas Ribeiro’s header from a corner kick went just inches above the goal.
The home side was leading 2-0 at halftime.
At the start of the second half, the Tshwane giants made their first substitution, bringing on Arthur Sales in place of Peter Shalulile, aiming to inject more spark into their attack.
Rayners came close to scoring a stunning goal when his bicycle kick, set up by a cross from Lucas Ribeiro, went above the crossbar.
Sundowns kept on exerting more pressure on the Sea Robbers who were seemingly sitting back to protect their lead.
The league champions eventually pulled a goal back when Khuliso Mudau broke through the Pirates defence and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine after a setup by Rayners.
Sundowns launched wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser to secure a valuable away point, but Pirates maintained a resolute defensive line.
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