Mamelodi Sundowns end Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 reign with final victory

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 to win the MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, ending the Buccaneers’ dominance in the competition.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 11th minute before substitute Iqraam Rayners converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure the trophy for Miguel Cardoso’s side.

Orlando Pirates included Thalente Mbatha in their starting line-up for his first appearance of the season, while Abdeslam Ouaddou selected Yanela Mbuthuma in attack. Sundowns brought Arthur Sales and Malibongwe Khoza back into their team.

Pirates made the stronger start, but Sundowns took the lead with their first significant opportunity. The Buccaneers failed to clear a free-kick into the penalty area and Mokoena reacted quickest, bundling the ball home from close range.

Sundowns grew into the match after going ahead and nearly doubled their advantage when Mbatha surrendered possession inside his own box while attempting to play out. Sipho Chaine came off his line quickly, however, and produced an important save to deny Thapelo Morena.

Chaine was then tested twice more before the 35-minute mark. The Pirates goalkeeper made excellent stops to keep out efforts from Brayan Leon and Nuno Santos as Sundowns increasingly controlled the contest.

Orlando Pirates finished the first half with greater attacking intent. Ghampani Lungu came close to an equaliser, but Ronwen Williams saved well, while Deon Hotto sent a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar.

The opening half ended with a brief confrontation between Yanela Mbuthuma and Ndamane. Players became involved in a small scuffle, prompting members of both technical teams to leave their benches and separate the two players.

Both managers made changes at half-time. Pirates introduced Oswin Appollis for Kamogelo Sebelele, who went off injured, while Sundowns replaced Aubrey Modiba with Divine Lunga at left-back.

Pirates were handed a route back into the final shortly before the hour. Mokoena, who had put Sundowns ahead, was penalised for fouling Mbuthuma in the area and Orlando Pirates were awarded a penalty.

Lungu took responsibility but saw his attempt saved by Williams, who dived to his left to preserve Sundowns’ lead.

Cardoso then altered his midfield, withdrawing Santos and sending on former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele for his official debut.

With about 14 minutes remaining, Pirates almost levelled through Simphiwe Masilela, but Williams again came to Sundowns’ rescue with a fingertip save to turn away the powerful effort.

Sundowns were awarded a penalty in second-half stoppage time after a foul on Ndlovu. Rayners stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, confirming a 2-0 victory and the MTN8 title.