Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance in the DStv Premiership as they beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in an electrifying match at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
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Sundowns have now taken their league winning streak to 15 matches, and in the process, they have ended Pirates’ short run of three consecutive victories.
Brazil took their points tally at the top of the log to 55 in 21 matches, while Pirates remained on 28 after 19 games and are in fourth place.
The home side had a poor start to the game – a mistake from the back when trying to start a build up saw Sundowns steal the ball and the in-form Cassius Mailula found the back in the sixth minute.
Pirates Promise
In the 17th minute, the Pirates had a good attack down the left through Deon Hotto, but the final pass went straight to Ronwen Williams in the Downs goal rather than his teammates.
Momentum in the Bucs team grew as the game wore on as they created several openings, even having a shout for a penalty after Thabang Monare was brought down in the box by Mailula just after the half-hour mark, but the referee continued to play.
From then on, attack after attack from both ends of the field, with Pirates looking dangerous, especially through Monnapule Saleng.
But the Buccaneers were also shaky at the back, which could have easily allowed Sundowns to go into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The start of the second half was more tense, with the Pretoria outfit looking for a second goal, while Pirates were eager to increase the score, but Saleng’s chance in the 55th minute hit the net, before Vincent Pule was denied by the post. a few minutes later.
With time running out, the Pirates began to look desperate for a goal, which led to many mistakes.
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Mailula could have easily scored his second goal of the match in the 83rd minute, but Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was able to keep his side’s hopes of getting back into the game alive.
But there was little else the hosts could do in the game, and Sundowns walked away with three points on their way to another title.