Mamelodi Sundowns’ 25-year-old Colombian striker Brayan Leon scored twice against Orlando Pirates to reduce the Buccaneers’ table lead to three points.
The Sea Robbers’ Patrick Maswanganyi found the consolation for his sixth goal of the season.
Pirates are now on 38 points, while Sundowns sit closely in second place with 35.
STRONGER START FOR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
With both sides entering the match in strong form, it was Sundowns who showed greater precision in the decisive moments.
Sundowns threatened first inside the opening minutes. Aubrey Modiba delivered an inviting cross from the left, but Brayan Leon’s header drifted too high and wide.
Pirates responded in the fifth minute after a mistake from Grant Kekana gifted possession to Deon Hotto inside the box. His deflected effort seemed destined for the net, but Ronwen Williams produced a spectacular leg save, a world-class intervention to keep the scores level.
In the 12th minute, Pirates went close again. Yanela Mbuthuma rose powerfully inside the area, but his header was too central, allowing Williams to make a comfortable stop.
Chances were limited for much of the first half, with both defensive units reacting quickly and giving dangerous attackers little space to operate.
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LEON DOUBLE SHOCKS ORLANDO PIRATES
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute. Nuno Santos floated a superb pass into the right channel, perfectly picking out Brayan Leon’s run behind the Pirates defence.
The Colombian forward met the ball with a composed half-volley that flew into the far corner to make it 1-0. It was Leon’s third goal in as many matches.
Just four minutes later, he struck again. Modiba drove a low cross into the six-yard area, and Leon slid in ahead of Lebone Seema to guide the ball past the goalkeeper. At 2-0 before half-time, Sundowns had taken firm control.
BUCCANEERS PRESSURE, BUT SUNDOWNS CONTROL
Pirates pulled one back almost immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Patrick Maswanganyi reduced the deficit to 2-1, giving the home side renewed belief.
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However, Sundowns managed the remainder of the match with maturity and composure. They limited clear-cut chances, controlled possession in key phases, and slowed the tempo when required.
Despite Pirates’ efforts to apply late pressure, Sundowns held firm to secure a crucial victory in the title race. The Buccaneers remain at the top of the league but only with three points, while Kabo Yellow also have a game in hand.
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