Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Predictions - Extra Time Needed in MTN8 Final

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 18 minutes ago

Ralph Staniforth 18 minutes ago

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Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to draw 1-1 after 90 minutes in the MTN8 final.
Both teams are in excellent form, with Pirates unbeaten in 25 matches and Sundowns in 13 of their last 14.
Recent head-to-head matches have been very close, featuring three consecutive 1-1 draws.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to draw in 90 minutes in Saturday's MTN 8 Final (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Predictions

These sides are very evenly matched. I see extra time being needed after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes of this cup final.
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Predictions
Key Stats – Draw in 90 Minutes on the Cards
Head to Head – Downs Unbeaten in Four
Pirates Aiming for Fifth Straight MTN8 – Ten Wins in Last 12 Matches
Sundowns Are Looking Strong – Six Wins in Seven Matches With a Trophy
Predicted Lineups & Team News

Key Stats – Draw in 90 Minutes on the Cards

Orlando Pirates are unbeaten in 25 matches.
Orlando Pirates have drawn 1-1 in their last 3 matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns are undefeated in their last 4 matches vs Orlando Pirates.
Mamelodi Sundowns are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 matches.

Head to Head – Downs Unbeaten in Four

Mamelodi Sundowns hold a 24-18 advantage vs Orlando Pirates across 58 previous meetings with 16 draws.

After three 1-1 draws in a row, Sundowns won 2-1 away at Pirates in the league when the clubs last met in February 2026.

Pirates Aiming for Fifth Straight MTN8 – Ten Wins in Last 12 Matches

Pirates have ten wins and two draw in 12 matches so far this season. They’re on 19 points from seven league fixtures and are chasing a fifth MTN8 trophy in a row.

Bucs won 4-0 at Kruger United before a 0-0 draw away at La Cure Waves of Mauritius. A 3-1 home victory followed at home vs La Cure Waves, before a 2-0 win over Durban City.

Their last match saw a 2-0 win at Marumo Gallants. Pirates only had 10 shots in the match and needed a 74th-minute set piece to seal the three points.

Sundowns Are Looking Strong – Six Wins in Seven Matches With a Trophy

Sundowns have won six of their last seven matches. They’re chasing just a second MTN8 crown in the last 19 years, having lifted silverware in their last match.

A 2-0 home win over Milford in the league was followed by a 2-1 PSL win at Golden Arrows. After beating Siwelele 3-0, they scored in the dying moments to rescue a 1-1 draw at Chippa United.

Their last match saw a 2-1 win over Saudi giants Al Ahli as they won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Sundowns had 68% possession and allowed just one shot on target in the second half.

Predicted Lineups & Team News

Orlando Pirates (4-3-3): Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Dansin, Mthiyane, Mokobodi; Appollis, Mbuthuma, Moremi.

Orlando Pirates have striker Evidence Makgopa and midfielder Thalente Mbatha back in training. Sihle Nduli is still several weeks away from a return in the engine room.

Mohau Nkota is nearing a return after knee surgery to boost the wide areas. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is still without Andre De Jong in the number ten role.

Mamelodi Sundowns (4-2-3-1): Williams; Matuludi, Khoza, Ndamane, Hotto; Allende, Mokoena; Morena, Santos, Matthews; Leon.

Sundowns have four major injury doubts for this match. Grant Kekana was substituted in the last game and is 50-50 to be fit to start in defence here.

Left back Aubrey Modiba and midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas need late fitness tests. Keanu Cupido is still absent in defence, but Arthur Sales is available in attack after surgery.

Verdict

Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns

I see a draw and a 1-1 correct score bet in regulation time.

Draw

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Pirates 1-1 Sundowns

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Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.