Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in an entertaining DStv Premiership match at Orlando Stadium.
This defeat was the first time Orlando Pirates had lost at home this season and their first league fixture since late August.
The game began at a slow pace, with both teams mainly focusing on ball possession in the midfield.
The first notable chance was a penalty awarded to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 9th minute after Siphelo Baloni fouled Themba Zwane inside the box. Lucas Ribeiro successfully converted the penalty to give the visitors the lead.
Orlando Pirates tried to equalize but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Sundowns had a chance late in the first half when Zwane tested Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine.
The Buccaneers showed more determination in the second half, with Thabang Monare’s header from inside the box being one of their first real efforts at goal.
In the 62nd minute, Patrick Maswanganyi had a shot at goal that was parried by the Sundowns goalkeeper, but Zakhele Lepasa couldn’t convert the rebound.
Substitute Lesedi Kapinga had a free-kick opportunity in the 69th minute, but his effort was saved by the Sundowns goalkeeper.
In the dying moments of the game, Orlando Pirates made several attempts to equalize but were unsuccessful.
As a result of this defeat, Orlando Pirates dropped to 11th place in the league standings.