Sundowns sink Pirates in top-of-the-table clash

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Picture courtesy of Nchavo Graphics

Mamelodi Sundowns turned up the pressure in the Betway Premiership title chase after defeating log leaders Orlando Pirates 2-1 at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

Sundowns collected the all-important three points with a brace from Brayan Leon, while Pirates pulled one back through Bafana Bafana attacker Patrick Maswanganyi.

Pirates hosted Sundowns in the top-of-the-table clash in the league, with both sides going out guns blazing for maximum points. The Buccaneers came into the match looking to extend their lead at the top of the standings to nine points, while Sundowns, with a game in hand, aimed to cut the Pirates’ lead to just three points.

Pirates and Sundowns are locked in a fierce fight for the league trophy—a title the Tshwane giants have dominated for the past eight seasons. The Soweto giants are eager to end their league drought after last winning the crown in 2012, while Sundowns have won eight titles in a row.

In a highly anticipated match, Pirates had a promising start, causing all sorts of trouble for Sundowns’ defence. The Sea Robbers had two golden opportunities to score in the opening minutes; however, Downs goalkeeper Ronwen Williams came to the rescue.

In the 35th minute, Pirates were caught napping at the back after Nuno Santos played a diagonal ball to Brayan Leon, who beat goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to make it 1-0.

PATRICK MASWANGANYI PULLED ONE BACK FOR PIRATES

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Picture courtesy of Nchavo Graphics

A few minutes later, Masandawana doubled the lead with a goal from Leon, who netted a brace. The defending champions went into the half-time break leading the log leaders by 2-0.

In the second stanza, Pirates scored a quick goal courtesy of Patrick Maswanganyi. After the match entered the last 30 minutes before conclusion, the MTN8 champions pulled off Maswanganyi to bring in Tshepang Moremi in a bid to increase the pace in attack.

Despite Pirates’ efforts to overturn the scoreline, Sundowns held on to their lead to claim a 2-1 victory, cutting the gap at the top of the league table to three points.