Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates, with goals from Relebohile Mofokeng handing the visitors their third loss of the season – a potentially damaging one, as it has opened the door to a possible charge from José Riveiro and his troops for the league title. Despite the loss, Miguel Cardoso and his side still maintain a healthy 15-point gap, with Pirates having four matches in hand.
Sundowns had won four of their last five encounters against the Sea Robbers and were favourites going into this clash, following their 4-1 win less than two months ago in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Uncharacteristically, the visitors started the clash as the slower of the two sides. Pirates were switched on and made them pay the price, with Relebohile Mofokeng slotting in two quick goals within the first five minutes.
Their road back into the contest was a mountain to climb, despite Khuliso Mudau getting one back in the 66th minute. Pirates were desperate for a win, and they showed that in their resolute defence and clinical finishing, leaving Cardoso to rue some of the decisions his side made in conceding the two early goals.
“The first three or five minutes when we suffered the two goals was a bad beginning to the game, which brought about some strong consequences,” Cardoso commented, after the match.
“With matches of such importance, it is crucial to start them well, with the right conviction and positioning. (From the touchline) I did not see what happened with the goals, but what did happen shouldn’t have happened, it’s clear.”
Despite their massive advantage in points, Cardoso has maintained throughout his tenure that the championship is far from over, and he reiterated that after their loss on Sunday.
“What we have to do is to play the competitions we have to play and make the best out of them,” Cardoso continued.
“The next time we play our league match, we have to play like it is the last one of our lives, and there is no other way to do it.
“I am sure that both Pirates and Sundowns will still lose points because there are still tough matches to play, but let’s hope we can minimise our losses. If we win our matches, we will get what we want, but this championship will be played to the end, that is for sure.”
