Mamelodi Sundowns extended their winning streak to 15 matches in the DStv Premiership on Saturday after a 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium.
The Brazilians got off to a flying start when Cassius Mailula fired them ahead within six minutes with a clinical low strike across goal after a through ball by Themba Zwane.
Pirates tried to find the equaliser throughout the first half, with Goodman Mosele coming close on 25 minutes with a header at the near post that sailed just over the crossbar.
A fierce contest in Orlando comes to a close and the points are coming home with The Brazilians!!!
Orlando Pirates 0️⃣➖1️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (6′ Mailula)Sundowns DownsLive DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/vm6WIGLYoH
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 4, 2023
The Buccaneers continued to pressurize their visitors in the second half and after Tapelo Xoki missed a golden chance from a free header, coach Jose Riveiro made attacking changes as Vincent Pule and Kabelo Dlamini came on.
Pule came close to snatching the equaliser on the hour-mark with a low strike in the box that came off the base of the post.
Sundowns made a double tactical change with 25 minutes to go, as Aubrey Modiba and Sipho Mbule were introduced in a change of approach.
Mailula had an opportunity to wrap up the game in the last seven minutes after a through ball in the box but his shot was smothered by shot-stopper Sipho Chaine.
Pirates had the momentum in the dying minutes but the Brazilians crowded their box and shut the Buccaneers out to secure the win and remain atop the table.
