Orlando Pirates were not completely outplayed by Mamelodi Sundowns, but three decisive areas ultimately cost them the match.
After going 14 matches unbeaten in the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers suffered a 2-1 defeat at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
A quickfire brace from Brayan Leon handed the Brazilians all three points, while Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi pulled one back for the home side.
Pirates came into the clash holding a six-point advantage over Sundowns, knowing victory would stretch the gap to nine and firmly shift momentum in the title race.
They started brightly and created the better early opportunities, but failure to convert proved costly. Leon struck twice within five minutes, turning the contest on its head and leaving the Sea Robbers chasing the game.
Sundowns school Pirates
Here are the three key areas that proved decisive:
Lost the midfield battle
Makhehlene Makhaula was left fighting a largely lone battle in midfield, with Masindi Nemtajela struggling to impose himself.
In contrast, Jayden Adams and Tebogo Mokoena controlled proceedings, dictating tempo and suffocating Pirates’ creative outlets.
Maswanganyi, despite showing flashes of quality, was tightly marked and denied space between the lines. Sundowns’ tactical structure disrupted Pirates’ build-up play, forcing them into hopeful long balls rather than constructing attacks from the back.
Miguel Cardoso’s game plan effectively cut off the supply lines and neutralised Pirates’ rhythm.
Exploiting Pirates’ right-hand side
Sundowns were deliberate in targeting Pirates’ right flank. The selection of Thapelo Morena alongside Khuliso Mudau provided defensive security while allowing Aubrey Modiba the freedom to surge forward from the opposite side.
Modiba’s overlapping runs repeatedly stretched Pirates and created overloads. With Khulumani Ndamane, a natural left-footer, offering balance and cover at centre-back, Sundowns were able to commit numbers forward without being exposed defensively.
Both of Leon’s goals stemmed from attacks that originated down Pirates’ right side, where defensive coordination faltered.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to start Kamogelo Sebelebele raised eyebrows. While his previous performances against Sundowns may have justified the selection, he struggled to influence the game and was often caught out of position during key moments.
Pirates and Sundowns were separated by Leon’s quality Poor finishing and composure
Despite enjoying promising spells, Pirates lacked ruthlessness in front of goal.
Yanela Mbuthuma and Maswanganyi both squandered good opportunities that could have changed the narrative.
Maswanganyi’s missed chance in the 35th minute proved particularly costly. Moments later, Sundowns capitalised on their first clear opening and scored, delivering a psychological blow from which Pirates never fully recovered.
In the second half, the Buccaneers lacked urgency and conviction. They failed to create sustained pressure or meaningful openings against a disciplined Sundowns defence.
Overall, Pirates had their moments but lacked the cutting edge and tactical execution required to beat the defending champions. Questionable game management and missed chances proved decisive.
Perhaps the inclusion of Thalente Mbatha and Deano van Rooyen from the start might have offered greater balance and control but on the night, Sundowns were simply more clinical where it mattered most, leaving Pirates gutted.