Brazilians downed in Nedbank Cup final
Despite dominating possession, Masandawana struggled to create clear-cut chances and fell short compared to Pirates.
Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 2-1 defeat against Orlando Pirates in a thrilling match on Saturday afternoon at Mbombela Stadium.
Despite dominating possession, Masandawana struggled to create clear-cut chances and fell short compared to Pirates.
The hosts had an early opportunity to take the lead when Khuliso Mudau was fouled inside the 18-yard area, which resulted in a penalty.
However, Lucas Ribeiro’s shot was saved by the Pirates’ goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine, maintaining the deadlock at 0-0.
The visitors’ confidence grew after the penalty save and posed a threat to the Brazilians’ defence on multiple occasions.
Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a series of good saves, denying Pirates an early advantage and ensuring the score remained level at the half-time whistle.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 54th minute when Sundowns’ captain, Themba Zwane, tapped in for an easy goal from Ribeiro’s assist.
Shortly after, Ribeiro was forced to leave the pitch due to an injury, leading Coach Rulani to introduce Thapelo Morena as his replacement.
Less than 20 minutes later, the Buccaneers equalised through Patrick Maswanganyi’s penalty kick that was awarded after a foul inside the Sundowns’ box.
The pressure increased as both teams tried to prevent a repeat of their previous final meeting, which ended in a penalty shoot-out.
After multiple attempts from both teams to gain the upper hand, it was the visitors who struck a blow-through substitute, Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng found the back of the net and sealed the victory for Orlando Pirates.
After the late goal by the Soweto-based side, the referee blew the final whistle, denying Mamelodi Sundowns a possible comeback.
The line-up for Mamelodi Sundowns included Williams, Mudau, Lebusa, Kekana, Zungu, Mokoena, Aubaas, Modiba, Allende, Zwane, and Ribeiro.
Substitutes: D. Onyango, Lunga, Morena, Mkhulise, Mbule, Mendieta, Maema, Esquivel, and Matthews.
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