Mamelodi Sundowns rolled past Orlando Pirates 2-0 as the DStv Premiership resumed at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday afternoon.
Despite the wet weather, Sundowns started the first half with high intensity. They came close to opening the scoring through Marcelo Allende’s free kick after Tapelo Xoki fouled Thapelo Morena on the edge of the box.
The Buccaneers turned defence into attack when Thabiso Monyane released a well-worked pass to Monnapule Saleng. However, Saleng’s shot was fisted away by Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Orlando Pirates were awarded a set piece in the 30th minute, and Vincent Pule swung the ball into the box to find Xoki, but his header was dealt with decisively by Williams.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TOOK THE LEAD
Sundowns took the lead in the 41st minute through a header from Mothobi Mvala, who received a pinpoint cross from Allende.
The referee blew the halftime whistle with the Buccaneers trailing 1-0 through a powerful header by Mvala.
Pirates got the second half underway with the Brazilians bringing Cassius Mailula in place of Abubeker Nasir. The Ethiopian got injured on the stroke of halftime after colliding with Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Sundowns came close to doubling the lead after Themba Zwane sliced through the Pirates defence. But Innocent Maela intercepted his low shot.
ORLANDO PIRATES SUBSTITUTIONS
The Soweto giants made double substitutions as Bandile Shandu came on for Monyane while Deon Hotto made way for Zakhele Lepasa.
Ka Bo Yellow found the second goal of the match through second-half substitute Mailula. The Sundowns academy graduate scored from a rebound after Mpontshane pushed Neo Maema’s shot back into play.
Rulani Mokwena’s side came close to netting a third goal after Zwane beat an offside trap. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Mpontshane was equal to the task with an outstanding one-hand save.
Sundowns produced a dominant performance to walk away with all three points to take their tally at the summit of the log to 31 points after 13 games.
RELATED STORY: Four injured Orlando Pirates key players, and when they return
