Orlando Pirates were not completely outplayed by Mamelodi Sundowns, but three decisive areas cost them the match. After a 14-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers lost 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
Brayan Leon scored a quick brace to secure victory for the Brazilians. Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi pulled one back. Pirates entered the clash with a six-point lead. A win would have stretched the gap to nine.
They started brightly and created early chances. However, poor finishing proved costly. Leon scored twice within five minutes. Pirates then chased the game.
Midfield Control and Tactical Discipline
Makhehlene Makhaula fought hard but lacked support in midfield. Masindi Nemtajela struggled to influence the contest. Meanwhile, Jayden Adams and Tebogo Mokoena controlled tempo and dictated play. They suffocated Pirates’ creative outlets. Maswanganyi showed flashes of quality but remained tightly marked. Sundowns denied him space between the lines.
Their structure disrupted Pirates’ build-up play. Consequently, Pirates resorted to hopeful long balls. Miguel Cardoso’s plan cut supply lines and neutralised Pirates’ rhythm.
Defensive Weaknesses and Clinical Finishing
Sundowns deliberately targeted Pirates’ right flank. Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau provided defensive balance. This allowed Aubrey Modiba freedom to attack from the opposite side. His overlapping runs created repeated overloads. Khulumani Ndamane provided cover at centre-back. Sundowns committed numbers forward without defensive risk.
Both of Leon’s goals originated from attacks down Pirates’ right side. Defensive coordination faltered. Abdeslam Ouaddou started Kamogelo Sebelebele, but he struggled and lost positioning in key moments. Despite promising spells, Pirates lacked ruthlessness in front of goal. Yanela Mbuthuma and Maswanganyi missed good chances. Maswanganyi’s miss in the 35th minute proved costly. Sundowns scored moments later and delivered a psychological blow.
In the second half, Pirates lacked urgency and conviction. They failed to create sustained pressure. Sundowns remained disciplined and protected their lead. Overall, Pirates showed promise but lacked cutting edge and tactical execution. Poor game management and missed chances proved decisive.
Perhaps starting Thalente Mbatha and Deano van Rooyen may have added balance. However, Sundowns were more clinical and left Pirates gutted.
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The post They slipped: Key areas where Orlando Pirates lost the game against Sundowns appeared first on iHarare News.
