By Levy Masiteng
Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a big Betway Premiership victory over Orlando Pirates on Wednesday night, edging the Soweto giants 2–1 in a pulsating match at FNB Stadium.
Downs’ Colombian striker Brayan León was the hero of the night, producing a brace that handed his side all three points.
León opened the scoring in the 37th minute, timing his run to latch onto a diagonal pass from Nuno Santos before finishing from a tight angle.
Just four minutes later, he doubled the advantage, combining again with Nuno Santos before being picked out by Aubrey Modiba and rifling home to make it 2–0 at the break.
The win was huge for Sundowns, who closed to within three points of Pirates at the top of the league while still holding a game in hand as the season moves into its business end.
Pirates, who had taken a strong home record into the match, fought back early in the second half. Just two minutes after the restart, winger Patrick Maswanganyi pulled one back with a long-range effort that took a deflection, off Teboho Mokoena, and wrong-footed Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams.
That goal injected belief into the hosts and ignited the stands, but despite late pressure and spirited attacking play, the Buccaneers couldn’t find an equaliser before the final whistle, tightening an already unpredictable title race.
Next up for Pirates is a Soweto derby showdown against Kaizer Chiefs on 28 February at FNB Stadium, with kickoff set for 3pm — another huge fixture that could shape the rest of their season.
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