Advantage Orlando Pirates as Polokwane City stun Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first loss of the season following a 1-0 defeat away to Polokwane City on Sunday.

Bulelani Nikani scored the all-important goal eight minutes from time when he directed home from a freekick to punish an average Sundowns who looked out of sorts on the day.

It was a poor display from the PSL champions, who failed to muster even a shot on target in the entire contest, while Polokwane were rewarded for their relentless display.

Polokwane were on top for most of the game

Sundowns were unable to create any meaningful chances in both halves, with the rhythm of the game also appearing to be too quick for them, and after a goalless first half, Polokwane upped the ante in the second stanza.

Rise and Shine had a glorious opportunity to take the lead in the 65^th minute after a swift counter attacking move from Oswin Appollis saw him find Bonginkosi Dhlamini whose shot went past Dennis Onyango in the Sundowns’ goal. However, Hlayisi Chauke missed from close range when he should have headed into the net.

Thabang Matuludi then saw his ferocious shot from outside the box fly just over the bar before Sundowns suffered a setback as Tashreeq Matthews was stretchered off with what appeared to be a twisted ankle.

How did Rise and Shine sink Sundowns?

Phuti Mohafe’s team would take a dissevered lead when Nikani’s outstretched leg directed the ball past Onyango from a freekick in the 82^nd minute.

Sundowns’ first real chance fell to Khuliso Mudau in added time but the full-back could not control the ball well before he was mobbed by Polokwane defenders who prevented him from scoring.

It was the first win for Polokwane against Sundowns in six years, the victory moving them to fourth place on the table on 10 points, two behind second-placed Sundowns.

Orlando Pirates were the biggest winners of the weekend as they remain top of 15 points from five matches, three more than Sundowns, in what is shaping into a tight title race between the two.