By Obakeng Maje

Johannesburg-A game between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns started like a house on fire at Orlando stadium, soweto. Pirates maneuvered their way into Sundowns half.

Pirates attacked with delicacy as they knew an early goal could send them rising to greater heights, to the pinnacle of their dreams.

The visitors were more cautious as they were shadows of themselves.

However Pirates strikers were under a chattered eye of Sundowns defence.

The visiting team started to rummaged into Pirates half and were nearly rewarded when Modise’s shot hit a crossbar.

Pirates Rooi Mahamutsa threw a long shot into Sundowns 18 yard, but a shot was blocked by Wayne Sandilands.

Sundowns skipper Teko Modise ochestrated a move and the ball ended at Richard Henyekane’s feet who saw his shot blew over the bar in disbelief.

Senzo Meyiwa was called on duty again when he saved Nasha Mushekwi’ shot.

On the 18th minutes Pirates illustrious midfield Ntshumayelo launched an attack and lost his marker Tebogo Langerman, but his effort outside the 18 yard goes way over the bar.

Pirates Collins Mbesuma hit a thurnderbolt, but his shot went wide.

The game started to pick up the tempo and both teams launched attacks.

The game went to interval both teams in stalemate.

The defiant Orlando Pirates came back gun-blazing from the interval. Collins Mbesuma was unlucky after he turned upside down Mamelodi Sundowns defence and took a thunderbolt shot that went over the bar.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane subsequently brought in Jabulani Shongwe for Nashwa Mushweki who was inept. 

The game continues and as the results remain unchanged. 

Pirates knew that the results as they stand, bring their hopes crashing to earth.

The reigning champions confidence grew stronger, going almost five minutes running on the adrenaline of ambition without Sundowns touching the ball.

Pirates launched attack in the last minutes of the game and sundowns buyoed defence was forced to put their body in line.

Manyisa remain a thorn on Sundowns flesh and Roger De Sa was forced to bring on Ndumiso Mabena for injured Mbesuma.

“We needed three points more than them, and the game was tough and playing Orlando Pirates at their turf, is not easy” Pitso Mosimane said.

Sundowns coach without being outsmart, he brought in Katlego Mphela for Richard Henyekane. 

Sundowns started to attack Pirates and Mahamutsa was forced to concede a corner-kick on referee’s extra-time.

Orlando Pirates dreams and ambition of contesting for a league title came crumbling when Sundowns Schut headed home a contoversial goal that looked like offside.

Pirates maestro Okonkwo scooped man of the match accolade and he said their focus now change to championship. 

“We played so well today and we knocked the ball around. We now focus on Champions League” Roger De Sa said.

Orlando Pirates 0- Mamelodi Sundowns 1

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