The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team suffered their second defeat of the season after they went down four goals to one against the Orlando Pirates Reserves on Sunday afternoon at Tsakane Stadium.
The game started off with a test from the home side who came with a threatening shot but the Downs goalkeeper blocked the ball. It didn’t take long before Kutlwano Letlhaku delivered a long-range strike that went past Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper and opening the flood gates for his side.
A few minutes after the opener, the hosts retaliated by hitting the front through a strike which the goalkeeper almost blocked when the ball hit his fingertips. The two sides went to the halftime break deadlocked at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams increase their intensity where physicality was displayed. The Brazilians looked to double their lead but their efforts did not have the power to send the Pirates keeper diving for balls in the box.
The Buccaneers came with a threatening goal in the box but the Downs defence attempted clearing the danger that saw a scramble in the box which prompted the referee to point to the penalty spot. The Soweto-based side scored on the spot, causing Bafana Ba Style to crack a bit under pressure. A few moments later the home side scored two more goals to make it four.
With the intensity at its highest towards the end of the second half, Coach Themba made three changes to spark the fightback as there was still hope to turn things around, however their counterparts remained resolute to hold on to their advantage.
Despite the numerous attempts and the pressure applied in the second half, the visitors could not capitalise on their possession.
Up next will be Masandawana’s return to their backyard to host Stellenbosch FC and they will be looking to turn things around.
How we lined up: Raludzingana, Mohanwe, Khoza, Mampane, Nkabinde, Nyanga, Ramotsei, Mabena, Buthelezi, Nkosi ©, Letlhaku.
Subs: Shabangu, Norawana, Mthembu, Rulwana, Nkonxeni.
