Lucas Ribeiro Costa © BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns extended their flawless record in the 2023-24 DStv Premiership by securing a narrow and well-deserved 1-0 win against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians maintained their unbeaten streak of seven wins from as many league matches this season, opening up a seven-point lead over their closest contenders, Golden Arrows.
On the other hand, the defeat for Orlando Pirates, their second in five league games, now places them a substantial 14 points behind the leaders. However, the Buccaneers gave the reigning champions their toughest challenge so far, with a strong second-half performance that had Sundowns on the back foot.
After a closely contested opening period, Sundowns was awarded a penalty in the 18-yard area when Themba Zwane was brought down by Siphelo Baloni. Lucas Ribeiro calmly converted from the spot in the 12th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead.
In the 44th minute, Sundowns had another opportunity to increase their advantage, as Zwane weaved past several challenges before attempting a curling shot towards the bottom corner. However, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a comfortable save.
Sundowns had a lucky escape just before halftime when Zakhele Lepasa was taken out in a collision with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was well off his line. Despite protests from the Pirates’ players and coaching staff, Williams was only cautioned, while a member of the technical team, Mandla Ncikazi, was shown a red card by the referee.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Orlando Pirates made a substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Deon Hotto in place of Relebohile Mofokeng. The change injected more energy into the hosts’ attack, especially down the left flank where Hotto operated. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between.
It wasn’t until the 75th minute that the Buccaneers had a genuine opportunity to equalize, but Monnapule Saleng’s glancing header from a Hotto cross narrowly missed the target. That proved to be as close as they would get, as Sundowns held on to secure their seventh consecutive victory.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the MTN8 competition this weekend, with Orlando Pirates hosting Stellenbosch and Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Chiefs at home.
Orlando Pirates 0
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Ribeiro 12′ pen)
Pirates: Chaine, Shandu, Sibisi, Xoki, Mako, Monare, Maswanganyi (Kapinga 66′), Mofokeng (Hotto 46′), Baloni (Kimvuidi 78′), Saleng (Makaringe 87′), Lepasa (Erasmus 78′)
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau (Kekana 85′), Coetzee, Mvala, Boutouil, Mokoena, Mbule (Mendieta 58′), Allende, Zwane (Modiba 70′), Shalulile (Maseko 58′), Ribeiro (Morena 58′)
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