Mamelodi Sundowns closed the gap at the top of the Betway Premiership table to just three points, with a game in hand, after beating Orlando Pirates 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
While some Bucs players were not at their best during the 90 minutes, others showed their quality even in defeat.
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ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS WHO FLOPPED AGAINST SUNDOWNS
NKOSINATHI SIBISI (CAPTAIN) – 5.5/10
This was by no means a captain’s performance from the Orlando Pirates skipper.
He lost his marker at crucial moments, with Brayan Leon finding space to score both goals.
Sibisi did not look as solid, safe and secure at the back as Bucs fans have become accustomed to.
DEON HOTTO – 6/10
The Orlando Pirates veteran did not offer much on the counter attack.
More importantly, there was often space exposed down his flank when Mamelodi Sundowns broke forward.
He was not poor, but this was far from his most memorable outing.
YANELA MBUTHUMA – 6.5/10
Mbuthuma squandered a very good opportunity that could have changed the game.
Furthermore, he lacked sharpness in the final third of the field. and seldom took on defenders, and, when he did, they often got the better of him.
BRAVE BUCS WHO STOOD STRONG IN DEFEAT
PATRICK MASWANGANYI – 7.5/10
Maswanganyi scored Orlando Pirates’ only goal with a deflected strike.
He looked for space, worked tirelessly and was lively in transition. He was undoubtedly Orlando Pirates’ biggest attacking spark on the night.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG – 7/10
Mofokeng delivered a respectable performance. It was not exceptional, but it was solid.
He played with positivity and energy in transition and worked hard defensively throughout the match.
CRUCIAL POINTS LOST BUT ALL IS NOT LOST
Orlando Pirates dropped crucial points in what could ultimately prove to be a decisive league encounter against their closest rivals.
The Bucs remain top of the table with 38 points from 16 matches. However, Sundowns have closed the gap to just three points and now sit on 35 points from 15 fixtures played.
That means Masandawana could draw level on points with the Buccaneers if they win that outstanding fixture.
However, there is still just under half of the Betway Premiership season remaining with 13 more fixtures for Orlando Pirates, meaning the title race is far from over.
How did you rank Orlando Pirates’ players in the defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns?
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