Mamelodi Sundowns Put Pirates To The Sword In Title Chase

Mamelodi Sundowns Put Pirates To The Sword In Title Chase

Mamelodi Sundowns had to fight hard to earn their 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates on Saturday at Orlando Stadium, but it is undeniable that this season, they have soundly defeated both Soweto giants.

After defeating Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 and Pirates 2-0 at home the previous season, two straight 1-0 victories this season gave them a remarkable league double over both titans. A testament to their persistent quality, which has allowed them to win 15 straight league games this season, is the fact that they have done it without giving up a goal.

Pirates are now further away from ending a league drought that has lasted more than ten years after suffering their seventh loss of the year, which dropped them to fourth position with 28 points.

Once again, poor parking and traffic control marred the game, as cars backed up onto the street next to it. Although there was a seating arrangement inside that attempted to keep the people apart, Sundowns was clearly the visiting team because they were jammed into the ground’s south-western corner.

A scenario that nearly occurred when the teams met at this ground in the MTN8 first leg semifinal, but a robust and no-nonsense police contingent held the throng at bay on that day, was nearly realized due to a lack of protection inside the stadium, as the media tribune was overwhelmed by supporters.

Although South Africa’s football team wasn’t at its best, the capacity crowd generated a steady frightening clamor that on other days would send outsiders into a state of mental madness.

The game itself was tight and it took a moment of brilliance from Sundowns to break through the Pirates‘ defense and score the only goal of the match. In the 6th minute, Cassius Mailula was able to get a touch on a cross and sent the ball into the net and gave Sundowns a 1–0 lead.

The remainder of the match was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net. In the end, it was Sundowns who emerged victorious, extending their remarkable winning streak and clinching the double over both Pirates and Chiefs.

The Mamelodi Sundowns put on a brave show of strength, skill and tactical acumen to earn a hard–fought 1–0 victory over the Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium. The win was all the more remarkable, considering the fact that the away team had to face a passionate home crowd, backed by a formidable police presence.

The match itself was a close affair, with neither team able to break through the other‘s defense. However, in the 6th minute, Cassius Mailula to score the all–important goal.

The win marked the second straight 1–0 victory over the two Soweto giants this season, and extended the impressive Mamelodi Sundowns winning streak to 15 matches, without conceding a single goal. The result has seen Pirates slip down to fourth place on the log, a further away from ending their ten–year league drought.