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Sundowns dethrone Pirates as MTN8 champions

football10 October 2026 18:20| © Backpage TXT
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Mameodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso claimed his first domestic title with the Brazilians this weekend owing to an efficient 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night.

The CAF Champions League holders looked the better side for much of the 90 minutes and were subsequently guided to victory courtesy of goals by Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners in either half.

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Pirates started the game on the front foot and found themselves near the edge of the Sundowns box as early as the second minute.

In response, Downs took the direct the approach in getting the ball up field with Sipho Chaine keeping his side in the game with an easy save.

The Buccaneers continued to look lively on the ball as Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma linked well going forward before the latter produced a shot that went narrowly wide of the mark in the ninth minute.

Sundowns took the lead in the 11th minute through Teboho Mokoena, who found himself in the perfect position following a free-kick situation on the edge of the area.

With the ball played, Thabang Mataludi pulled off a clever flick on the edge of the area which was intercepted by Mokoena, whose toe poke found the back of the net.

The Brazilians continued to look menacing going forward with Thapelo Morena and Nuno Santos creating chances for their side toward the halftime whistle.

While Pirates looked flat during large parts of the first half, Downs actively searched for a second goal, only to be denied by Sipho Chaine, who grasped a dangerous effort by Santos 10 minutes before the break.

PIRATES THWARTED

Downs continued to look comfortable on the ball after the restart, while Pirates found the going tough, creating little notable scoring opportunities toward the hour-mark.

Then, following a swift break up the pitch, Pirates were then awarded a penalty in the 59th minute following a scramble inside the Sundowns box as Mokoena was penalised for a pull on Mbuthuma.

With Gamphani Lungu stepping up to the spot, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off a magnificent save with a quick reaction save toward his left.

Williams was once again summoned into action in the 77th minute, this time after he denied Simphiwe Masilela, who let off a powerful side-footed shot inside the 18-yard-area.

Despite the penalty miss, Pirates remained proactive in their pursuit to draw level as they pushed the Downs defensive unit onto the edge of their area.

However, the Sea Robbers were often met with aggressive defending by the Tshwane-side’s backline.

While Pirates enjoyed good moments in attack, Sundowns were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after the referee spotted a trip inside the box.

Staring into the eyes of glory, Iqraam Rayners buried his effort into the bottom left corner to give the newly crowned MTN8 champions the win.

Orlando Pirates: 0

Mamelodi Sundowns: (1) 2 (Mokoena 11’, Rayners 90+4’)

Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Hotto, Seema, Sibisi, Sebelebele (Appollis 46’), Mbatha (Nkota 82’), Selepe (Masilela 74’), Mokobodi, Moremi (Kgositsile 74’), Mbuthuma (Makgopa 74’), Lungu

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Matuludi, Ndamane, Khoza, Morena, Allende, Mokoena, Modiba, Matthews (Ndlovu 82’), Santos (Cele 68’), Leon (Rayners 82’)

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