Relebohile Mofokeng bagged a brace as Orlando Pirates defeated Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 16 March 2025
Venue: Orlando Stadium
There was no place in the squad for Patrick Maswanganyi, as Evidence Makgopa started ahead of top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa while Marcelo Allende was recalled to the Sundowns' midfield as the only change from the win over AmaZulu.The decision to include Makgopa paid off as early as the third minute when the Bafana Bafana striker evaded Lucas Suarez, who slipped, before teeing Mofokeng who made no mistake from close range.
The lead was doubled two minutes later as Mofokeng pounced on a loose ball high before surging towards goal and curling the ball into the far corner, leaving the visitors shell-shocked.
Sundowns looked to get back on track after the slow start and went close to pulling one back after the 20-minute mark but Grant Kekana's towering header crashed against the upright.
Miguel Cardoso's charges dominated possession for the remainder of the first half but were unable to find a way past the Buccaneers defence, who thwarted every attempt in the final third.The visitors made a change at the start of the second half, as Peter Shalulile made way after a quiet first half and was replaced by Arthur Sales.
After waves of attack, Sundowns did reduce the deficit in the 65th minute when Iqraam Rayners' superb pass into the box found the run of Khuliso Mudau, who took one touch before firing past Sipho Chaine.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro responded with a triple change for the final 15 minutes as Thalente Mbatha, Makgopa and Mofokeng made way for Goodman Mosele, Boitumelo Radiopane and Mohau Nkota.
Despite Sundowns throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer, the Buccaneers were able to hold deny their Pretoria counter-parts a second goal to hold on for maximum points.
The win sees Pirates cut Sundowns' lead to 15 points, but they still have four games in hand.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 34. Chaine, 5. Sibisi, 27. Xoki, 44. Mbokazi, 3. Van Rooyen, 7. Hotto, 8. Makhaula, 16. Mbatha, 18. Dlamini, 38. Mofokeng, 17. Makgopa
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 42. Radiopane, 33. Nkota, 29. Mako, 26. Shandu, 23. Maela, 20. Mosele, 9. Mabasa, 15. Ndlondlo
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 20. Kekana, 32. Suarez, 6. Modiba, 4. Mokoena, 11. Allende, 44. Adams, 10. Ribeiro, 13. Rayners, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 1. Onyango, 42. Khoza, 27. Morena, 13. Lunga, 15. Aubaas, 35. Maema, 46. Letlhaku, 17. Matthews, 9. Sales
