Masandawana get the better of Bucs to remain top of the league
Pirates (seven points) dropped down to 11th position after the defeat by Sundowns, tasting defeat only for the second time this season in the league after just five outings.
Mamelodi Sundowns ensured their perfect start to the league campaign continued, as they remained resolute beating Orlando Pirates on Tuesday evening.
Sundowns amassed 21 points from seven straight victories.
Masandawana are a force to be reckoned with, having dominated the South African league in the recent past.
With their current first place ranking, the Tshwane giants are proving a formidable opponent on the local football scene.
Orlando Pirates have been unable to beat Sundowns in the league, in their last seven meetings since January 2020.
Young Sephelo Baloni’s first appearance for Pirates was marred by a costly foul inside the penalty box.
The incident resulted in a penalty for Sundowns, and Baloni was no doubt feeling the weight of his mistake.
The pressure was on for him to redeem himself, and he would have to face the jeers of the opposition fans for the rest of the match.
The penalty conversion by in-form Lucas Ribeiro was enough to see Masandawana leave Soweto with all three points.
The goal added to Ribeiro’s tally to five goals for the season, placing him at the top of the scoring charts.
With his incredible knack for finding the back of the net, he’s been a crucial player for Sundowns this season, helping to keep them top of the league.
The game started cautiously with both teams looking to control possession early on – both teams clearly determined to gain the upper hand.
Sundowns pressed harder to exert dominance gradually taking control of the remainder of the first half as they looked to double their lead against a stubborn Bucs defence.
But chances would come few and far between with the best coming late in the first half, after good work by Themba Zwane into the box, his shot drawing a save from Sipho Chaine in goal.
The two sides headed into the break with Sundowns up one goal.
The second half started as the first had ended, with the team in yellow looking to extend their lead.
Peter Shalulile, who made his first start since returning from injury, had a chance early on, but his first-time strike was denied by the goalkeeper.
Both lethal strikers Shalulile and in-form Zakhele Lepasa of Pirates were shooting blanks as they failed to register their names on the scoresheet.
Ronwen Williams, in Sundowns’ goal, was called into action midway through the second half to a save Nkosinathi Sibisi’s headed effort.
The technical team rang the changes with 25 minutes remaining as Junior Mendieta, Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko and Aubrey Modiba all made their way onto the pitch to secure the result.
In the closing stages, Pirates launched an attack through Deon Hotto who played a low cross into the Sundowns box that required defenders Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Mothobi Mvala to make crucial interventions to help clear the danger.
Masandawana now on 21 points, have created a seven-point gap over second-placed Golden Arrows while, the Buccaneers (seven points) dropped to 11th position after tasting defeat only their second defeat in five outings time this season.
Mamelodi Sundowns will continue their quest for cup glory when they face Kaizer Chiefs in the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal on Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns ensured that their perfect start to the league campaign continued as they remained resolute to defeat Orlando Pirates on Wednesday evening 👆
Match Report📲 https://t.co/vbx9DDzVVm#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/fzrmWVfdOD
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 20, 2023
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