Mamelodi Sundowns reignited the Betway Premiership title race with a 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
In a high-stakes encounter between the league’s top two sides, the Tshwane giants delivered a clinical first-half performance to seize control of proceedings.
Difference maker
Colombian striker Brayan León proved the difference-maker, netting twice in quick succession.
León opened the scoring in the 37th minute before doubling Mamelodi Sundowns’ advantage four minutes later, giving the visitors a 2-0 cushion heading into the break.
Orlando Pirates responded positively after half-time and were rewarded in the 47th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi found the back of the net to halve the deficit.
The early second-half strike injected urgency into the hosts’ play, but Mamelodi Sundowns remained organised at the back and managed the contest effectively to see out the result.
It proved to not be the Buccaneers’ night as they suffered their first league defeat since August 2025, ending their 14-match unbeaten streak.
Game in hand
The victory narrowed Orlando Pirates’ lead at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings to just three points, with Mamelodi Sundowns holding a game in hand – a potentially decisive advantage as the season enters its second half.
Orlando Pirates will next be in action in a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash against Casric Stars on Saturday, 21 February at 18:00.
Their next Betway Premiership clash is another blockbuster Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 28 February at FNB Stadium at 15:30.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns’ next assignment is also a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash against TS Galaxy on Saturday, 21 February at 15:00.
Masandawana’s next league commitment is an away trip to Moses Mabhida Stadium to take on AmaZulu FC on Tuesday, 24 February at 19:30.
Meanwhile, in Wednesday evening’s only other league fixture, Stellenbosch FC and Magesi FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
TEAMS
Orlando Pirates
Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto, Sebelebele, Makhaula, Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Appollis, Mbuthuma
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Chabatsane, Ndaba, Van Rooyen, Mbule, Mariko, Moremi, Msendami, De Jong.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Williams, Ndamane, Kekana, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Adams, Morena, Matthews, Santos, Leon.
Substitutes: Onyango, Johannes, Lunga, Reisinho, Allende, Zwane, Letlhaku, Mothiba, Shalulile.
UPDATED BETWAY PREMIERSHIP STANDINGS
