Sundowns and Pirates Share the Spoils in Loftus Thriller

In a clash that lived up to its billing, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.

The Buccaneers started brightly, testing the Sundowns’ backline with early pressure. A nervy moment came when Grant Kekana misjudged a clearance, allowing Pirates a one-on-one with Ronwen Williams. The Downs skipper, however, stood tall and smothered the effort.

Masandawana responded with intent. Aubrey Modiba whipped in a dangerous ball that Peter Shalulile flicked goalwards, only for the attempt to be comfortably gathered. Persistence soon paid off: in the 20th minute, Shalulile pounced on a rebound after his initial strike was parried, calmly slotting home to give the hosts the lead.

But Pirates were not to be silenced. On 35 minutes, a thunderous volley from the edge of the box rattled the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line, restoring parity and sending the travelling fans into raptures. The sides went into the break deadlocked at 1-1.

Second-Half Battle

The tempo remained relentless after the restart. Pirates nearly stole ahead with a dazzling solo run, but Williams once again denied them with a sharp save at his near post.

The midfield tussle intensified as both teams fought for control. Sundowns pressed hard in the closing stages, pushing numbers forward in search of a winner, but the Pirates’ defence held firm under pressure.

 Final Whistle

Despite the energy, drama, and chances, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough. The result leaves both giants with a point apiece, a fair reflection of a fiercely contested encounter.

Sundowns Starting XI

Williams (C); Mudau, Cupido, Kekana, Modiba; Aubaas, Allende, Santos, Sales; Shalulile, Matthews

Substitutes: Onyango, Lebusa, Mdunyelwa, Basadien, Mkhulise, Adams, Ntsabeleng, Maseko, Rayners

Mamelodi Sundowns