Wasteful Orlando Pirates punished as Sundowns end MTN8 hoo-doo

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Wasteful Orlando Pirates punished as Sundowns end MTN8 hoo-doo
Marcelo Allende and Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates in MTN8 final, Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns are the new MTN8 champions after beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 on Saturday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

In their bid to win their fifth crown in a row, the Soweto giants ensured they fielded the tried and tested. Mohau Nkota made a return to the team after his loan signing, but started from the bench alongside Oswin Appollis and the retuning Evidence Makgopa.

Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena were cleared to start for the Brazilians, while Malibongwe Khoza made a surprising start at the back. Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk started from the bench.

Mokoena gives Sundowns a perfect start

The hunger for either team was evident from the first whistle as both teams attacked with every opportunity they got. But it was Teboho Mokoena who was at the right position, in the 10th position, to tap home a loose ball, following Bucs’ failure to clear the danger.

It could have been easily 2-0 in the 23rd minute but Sipho Chaine rose for the occasion to deny Thapelo Morena who almost capitalised from shaky defending once again from the Sea Robbers.

On the other end, Ronwen Williams responded in the 39th minute with a good save that ensured Gamphani Lungu didn’t equalize for his team. A resulting corner bore no fruits.

Chaine did his best in the first half to ensure his team didn’t concede another goal as Sundowns went to the break with a slim lead.

Williams saves!

Mokoena brought down Yanela Mbuthuma in the danger zone, and coach Abongile Tom didn’t hesitate to award Bucs a penalty.

Lungu stepped up for the penalty, but Williams was there to stop him from making it 1-1.

Pirates had another opportunity, with 20 minutes to go, to make amends after missing from 12 yards, but once again, he just couldn’t hit target from a couple of yards out.

Colombian Brayan Leon had a massive chance to kill the game in the 75th minute when he was set up unmarked but somehow, he shot narrowly wide. Masandawana could have paid the price moments later but Simphiwe Masilela’s shot was put out for corner by the determined Williams.

Maslilela came close once again in the 88th minute; his low shot missed back of the net with Williams well beaten.

The CAF Champions League holders the got a breather in the stoppages, when Pirates conceded a penalty. Iqraam Rayners did well to beat Chaine and hand his team the first MTN8 title since 2021.

The two teams will now be back in action on Tuesday in the Premier Soccer League where the defending champions will be hosting TS Galaxy at the Orlando Stadium while Masandawana will be away to Richards Bay.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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  • Football Odds
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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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