MOFOKENG’S BRACE, A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR PIRATES

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Orlando Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in their betWay premiership match at the FNB stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Buccaneers showed their intend of getting a victory in this match as it only took three minutes for Relebohile Mofokeng to find the back of the net courtesy of a cross from Evidence Makgopa.

The Sea Robbers wasted no time as Mofokeng completed his brace by firing a shot, capitalising on a defensive error by Sundowns, ensuring that Pirates have a well fought lead heading into the halftime break. The Brazilians struggled to gain a foothold in the match, finding it challenging to carve out any meaningful opportunities in the final third.

At the start of the second half, the reigning league champions switched things up and made their first substitution, bringing on Arthur Sales in place of Peter Shalulile, aiming to ignite more spark into their attack. Rayners came close to scoring a stunning goal when his bicycle kick, set up by a cross from Lucas Ribeiro, went above the crossbar.

Sundowns were in control of possession, patiently waiting to pounce on an opportunity, also probing to get back into the game, and as Pirates retreated as the second half wore on. Khuliso Mudau pulled one back to set up a tense finale at the Calabash in the 66 minute. However, that goal proved to be a mere consolation for Cardoso and his charges as the Soweto giants sailed to calmer waters, keeping the title race alive.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who was watching from the stands, must have been impressed with the football that was displayed by some of the players he has selected for the national team ahead of the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Lesotho on Friday and Benin next Tuesday.

This win sees Pirates close the gap on log leaders Sundowns to 15 points, although the Soweto giants have four games in hand, which remains to be seen if they’ll convert into wins in order to take the league battle down to the wire.