Mamelodi Sundowns retained their perfect record in the 2023-24 DStv Premiership with a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians made it seven wins from as many league matches this term thanks to a first-half penalty from forward Lucas Ribeiro, taking them seven points clear of nearest chasers Golden Arrows.
As for the Buccaneers, this second defeat from five league outings leaves them a full 14 points off the pace set by their opponents, though they probably gave the reigning champions their toughest test thus far – putting in a strong second-half showing which had ‘Downs very much on the back foot.
After an evenly-matched opening spell, Sundowns were awarded a penalty when Themba Zwane was tripped up by Siphelo Baloni in the 18-yard area. Lucas Ribeiro duly cracked home from the spot to make it 1-0 in the 12th minute.
The next major opening for the champions arrived in the 44th minute when Themba Zwane jinked past a few challenges before attempting a curler toward the bottom corner which was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
The Brazilians were then lucky not to be reduced to 10 men when Zakhele Lepasa, running onto a long ball out of defence, was taken out in a collision with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was way off his line.
The Buccaneers offered such a vociferous protest to Williams only being cautioned that technical team member Mandla Ncikazi was shown a red card by the referee.
A goal down at the break, Pirates opted for a substitution at the start of the second half and introduced Deon Hotto in place of Relebohile Mofokeng. The hosts immediately looked much more lively in attack, particularly down the left flank where Hotto operated, but no clear chances were forthcoming.
The Buccaneers had to wait until the 75th minute for a genuine sight of goal, with Monnapule Saleng’s glancing header from a Hotto cross skipping wide of the mark. That proved to be as close to an equaliser as they would get, with the Brazilians able to hold out and secure a seventh straight win.
The teams will be in MTN8 action this weekend, with Pirates at home to Stellenbosch and Sundowns hosting Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates 0
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Ribeiro 12’ pen)
PIRATES: Chaine, Shandu, Sibisi, Xoki, Mako, Monare, Maswanganyi (Kapinga 66’), Mofokeng (Hotto 46’), Baloni (Kimvuidi 78’), Saleng (Makaringe 87’), Lepasa (Erasmus 78’)
SUNDOWNS: Williams, Mudau (Kekana 85’), Coetzee, Mvala, Boutouil, Mokoena, Mbule (Mendieta 58’), Allende, Zwane (Modiba 70’), Shalulile (Maseko 58’), Ribeiro (Morena 58’)