CAF: Orlando Pirates Stun Mamelodi Sundowns with Dramatic Draw
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| Dansen's stunner helps Pirates hold sundowns to a draw |
Orlando Pirates' youngster Cemran Dansen scored an extraordinary goal to earn a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, keeping the title contenders within striking distance.
The Buccaneers were the more dominant team in a scrappy second half, marked by numerous stoppages due to niggly fouls...
Mamelodi Sundowns' remarkable home winning streak came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Orlando Pirates in their top-of-the-table clash at Loftus Versfeld. Orlando Pirates' youngster Cemran Dansen scored an extraordinary equalizer, denying Sundowns a win.
Despite failing to take all three points, Mamelodi Sundowns remain top of the table, albeit only by two points ahead of Sekhukhune United. Orlando Pirates, who have two games in hand, sit third, just one point behind Sundowns' rivals. The draw ended Sundowns' 18-match winning streak at home, with their last loss coming in May 2024.
Sundowns took the lead through Peter Shalulile's fifth goal of the season, capitalizing on the Brazilians' dominant start. Keanu Cupido's clever interception in the Pirates' half sparked the move, allowing Nuno Santos to advance and find Arthur Sales. Despite a slightly heavy first touch, Sales managed to square the ball for Shalulile to slot home.
Shalulile's initial shot with his right foot was saved by Sipho Chaine, but he made no mistake with the rebound, sweeping home with his left foot.
The game took a dramatic turn just before halftime when Orlando Pirates' 20-year-old Cemran Dansen scored an extraordinary equalizer. Sundowns had cleared a corner straight at Dansen, who was making only his second start for the Buccaneers. Dansen unleashed a powerful volley that flew into the net, putting Pirates level and reigniting the contest.
The Buccaneers were the more dominant team in a scrappy second half, marked by numerous stoppages due to niggly fouls. Despite both teams making substitutions, neither side could capitalize on the opportunities. However, a notable moment came when Pirates' centre-back Lebone Seema broke free with a solo run from deep in his own half, combining with Masindi Nemtajela before going one-on-one with Ronwen Williams, only to be denied by the Sundowns' captain.
Both teams will resume their league campaigns on Wednesday. Mamelodi Sundowns will host TS Galaxy at home, while Orlando Pirates will travel to Durban to face Lamontville Golden Arrows.
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