Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates to win first MTN8 title since 2021

Mamelodi Sundowns ended their five-year wait for the MTN8 title after defeating rivals Orlando Pirates 2-0 in Saturday’s final.

The Brazilians secured their first crown in the competition since 2021, denying Pirates an unprecedented fifth consecutive title and delivering a first domestic cup triumph under coach Miguel Cardoso.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 12th minute, while substitute Iqraam Rayners sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty.

Sundowns started brightly and took the lead when Mokoena stayed ahead of the last defender before latching on to Thabang Matluidi’s flick and firing into the bottom corner.

Pirates struggled to cope with the early pressure, with Thalente Mbatha losing possession inside his own penalty area to allow Thapelo Morena an opportunity. However, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine reacted well to push the effort behind for a corner.

Chaine was called into action again shortly after the half-hour mark, producing an impressive outstretched save to turn Leon’s powerful effort from the edge of the box behind.

Pirates gradually grew into the contest and threatened an equaliser before half-time when Ghampani Lungu unleashed a quick shot from the near side, but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stood firm to keep his side ahead.

Both teams made changes at the break, with Pirates introducing Oswin Appollis for the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele, who had been stretchered off at the end of the first half. Sundowns also brought on Divine Lunga for Aubrey Modiba.

Pirates returned with renewed energy and were handed a golden opportunity to level the score in the 60th minute when Mokoena fouled Yanela Mbuthuma inside the penalty area.

Lungu stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick, but Williams guessed correctly and produced a crucial save to preserve Sundowns’ lead.

Cardoso responded six minutes later by introducing Thabo Cele for Nuno Santos, with Cele making his debut for the club.

Pirates continued to push for an equaliser but struggled to make their pressure count. Sundowns came close to extending their advantage when a through ball released Leon inside the penalty area, but the Colombian curled his effort wide.

The Buccaneers remained dangerous, with substitute Simphiwe Masilela almost restoring parity after a switch of play created space for him to shoot from the edge of the box. Williams, however, produced another excellent save to keep Sundowns in front.

Pirates’ hopes of forcing the final towards a penalty shootout were finally ended in stoppage time when Thapelo Mokobodi brought down Siyanda Ndlovu inside the box.

Substitute Rayners took responsibility from the spot and calmly fired into the bottom corner three minutes into added time to confirm Sundowns’ 2-0 victory.

The result ended Pirates’ bid for a fifth successive MTN8 title and gave Sundowns a major domestic cup success under Cardoso, who had been seeking his first trophy in South African football with the club.