Orlando Pirates secured a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns to keep their title race hopes alive in their Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Relebohile Mofokeng netted two goals in the opening five minutes as Pirates came out the blocks quicker with a altered 3-4-2-1 system.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi started on the left side of the back-three with Deano van Rooyen and Deon Hotto the wing-backs under Jose Riveiro’s system.
The 19-year-old defender was a late change in the XI, with initial line-ups suggesting a surprise start for Boitumelo Radiopane as part of a 4-2-2-2 diamond shape tactic.
However, it was a decision that paid off with the DStv Diski Challenge product one of the standout players on the pitch on the day.
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Evidence Makgopa set up both Mofokeng’s early goals and was a constant menace to Lucas Suarez throughout as Pirates went into the break 2-0 ahead.
But Sundowns were always in control of possesion, patiently, but probing to get back into the game, and as Pirates retreated as the second half wore on, Khuliso Mudau pulled one back to set up a tense finale at the Calabash in the last 25 minutes.
The win for Riveiro’s side – Sundowns only third league defeat all season, moved them 15 points off the league leaders – while having four games in hand.
