Mofokeng’s Outstanding Brace helps Pirates Secure Victory over Sundowns
Orlando Pirates strengthened their title chase with a 2-1 victory over a strong Mamelodi Sundowns side at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, propelled by a quick brace from emerging star Relebohile Mofokeng.
The defending champions were on the back foot right from the start as the young forward scored two goals within the first five minutes against Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, sparking the Pirates’ ambitions of winning their first league title since the 2011/12 season.
Cult favorite Evidence Makgopa skillfully navigated past Downs defender Lucas Suarez to provide the assist for the opener, delivering a precise cutback to Mofokeng. The 20-year-old followed up with another goal just a minute later, executing a spectacular finish akin to Mohammed Salah, directing the ball into the bottom corner.
Jose Riveiro’s team went into halftime with a comfortable two-goal cushion over the reigning champions. In pursuit of a comeback, Miguel Cardoso brought on Arthur Sales for Namibian striker Peter Shalulile in the second half.
The Brazilians nearly pulled one back just seven minutes after the restart when player of the season contender Lucas Ribeiro elegantly dribbled past Deon Hotto and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but Iqraam Rayners’ bicycle kick attempt from Ribeiro’s pass sailed over the crossbar.
To secure the win, Jose Riveiro introduced Paseka Mako to bolster his defense, replacing midfielder Kabelo Dlamini at the hour mark. The 29-year-old made an immediate difference by neutralizing threats from the Sundowns forwards.
Masandawana managed to score in the 65th minute, with Khuliso Mudau taking advantage of a defense-splitting pass from Rayners. Cardoso’s team almost equalized, but Sales couldn’t convert Ribeiro’s exquisite pass as his header went off target.
The 52-year-old Portuguese coach then brought Thapelo Morena in for center-back Lucas Suarez as he searched for an equalizer. Cardoso made a triple substitution, bringing on Goodman Mosele, Mohau Nkota, and Boitumelo Radiopane for Mbokazi, Mofokeng, and Thalente Mbatha.
With only 10 minutes remaining, Sales attempted a shot, but his effort failed to trouble Chaine in goal for the Soweto giants, sailing over the bar. Meanwhile, the home team sought to capitalize on counter-attacks, though their attempts proved fruitless.
The Sea Robbers, now in second place, have narrowed the points gap to 15 with this victory. Pirates have gathered 43 points after 19 league matches, compared to Sundowns’ 58, who have played three games less than the Chloorkop side.
Pic courtesy of Andile Xakaza/Inja Ka MoyaSnaps