Mofokeng Double Sparks Electric Pirates Past Sundowns

Orlando Pirates strengthened their title chances with a 2-1 victory over a rampant Mamelodi Sundowns side at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon thanks to a quick-fire brace from starlet Relebohile Mofokeng.

The defending champions were on the backfoot from the first 10 minutes as the youngster put two past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in the 4th and 5th minute respectively to give Bucs a glimmer of hope in their quest for a first league title since the 2011/12 season.

Cult hero Evidence Makgopa left on loan Downs defender Lucas Suarez for dead for the opening goal, where his cut back found the 20-year-old player. Mofokeng made the net bulge again a minute later with a Mohammed Salah-esque finish in the bottom corner.

Jose Riveiro’s men went into the half time with a healthy two-goal cushion over the defending champions. In search of a response, Miguel Cardoso introduced Arthur Sales in place of Namibian goal-poacher Peter Shalulile in the second half.

The Brazilians nearly came close to finding a goal seven minutes into the second stanza as player of the season contestant Lucas Ribeiro dribbled past Deon Hotto and Mbekezeli Mbokazi but Iqraam Rayners’ bicycle kick connection with the Brazilians’ pass went over the cross bar.

Looking to secure maximum points, Jose Riveiro added an extra man in his defense in the form of Paseka Mako for midfielder Kabelo Dlamini on the hour mark. The 29-year-old had immediate involvement as he had to thwart off danger from the Sundowns attackers.

Masandawana pulled one back in the 65th minute with Khuliso Mudau pouncing from a defense splitting pass from Rayners. Cardoso’s men nearly leveled matters but Sales couldn’t benefit from Ribeiro’s delightful pass as his header went wide of target.

The 52-year-old Portuguese tactician threw in Thapelo Morena for center-back Lucas Suarez in his bid to get the equalizing goal. The Spanish mentor made a triple change with Goodman Mosele, Mohau Nkota and Boitumelo Radiopane for Mbokazi, Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha.

With 10 minutes remaining, Sales had a go at goal, but his effort didn’t trouble Chaine in the Soweto giants’ goal as he skied his effort. On the other end, the host team looked to capitalize on the counter but their efforts were in vain.

The Sea Robbers, in second place, narrowed the gap to 15 points with the win. Pirates have now accumulated 43 points to Sundowns’ 58 after 19 league outings – three less than the Chloorkop-based outfit.

Pic courtesy of Andile Xakaza/Inja Ka MoyaSnaps