Orlando Pirates 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns - Pirates' Player Ratings as 14-match Unbeaten Streak Ends

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 4 hours ago

John Eastwood 4 hours ago

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Orlando Pirates lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns, narrowing their PSL lead.
Masindi Nemtajela was the standout performer, earning our Man of the Match.
Key players underperformed, emphasising the need for more clinical finishing.

Orlando Pirates dropped three points in midweek as their 14-match unbeaten PSL run was ended (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in Soweto on Wednesday. Below are the player ratings for the Pirates starting XI and subs. Pirates saw their six-point lead at the summit of the PSL cut down to three points.

Sipho Chaine: 6

The goalkeeper had little chance with the two goals. He made two saves in the match, including a good stop to deny Jayden Adams just before half-time.

Kamogelo Sebelebele: 5

The winger was used as a right back in this match. He got forward well, but he lacked positional awareness in an unfamiliar role and both goals originated from his side.

Lebone Seema: 5

The young defender has been excellent this season, but he was at fault for the second goal. He could not cut out Aubrey Modiba's cross and his relative inexperience was evident on the night.

Nkosinathi Sibisi: 5

The experienced defender was booked early on for a professional foul, handballing on the halfway line. He lost his man for the second goal and it was not a match to remember for Sibisi.

Deon Hotto: 7

The veteran left back defended well and nearly scored with an early deflected shot. He gave a good account of himself and can't take too much blame for the two goals.

Masindi Nemtajela: 7 - Man of the Match

A strong outing in the engine room throughout. He may have run out of steam, but it was a fine 70 mintues before that.

Makhehlene Makhaula: 7

"Cash" had a strong game, breaking up play and largely keeping Sundowns' number tens quiet. He also lost some gas in the final 15 minutes and could have done with being replaced.

Oswin Appollis: 6

The creative winger was used in his less effective right wing role. He set up an early chance but his overall display was not at his usual high standards.

Patrick Maswanganyi: 6

The number ten should have scored in the first half, but he took too long to get his shot away. "Tito" showed excellent work-rate and scored Pirates' goal from a wicked deflection, his sixth goal of the season.

Rele Mofokeng: 5

Bucs' main creative outlet was very quiet on the night. He hardly took on his man, and many of his flicks and tricks led to nothing. He is a star in the making and will have better matches as gets to full match fitness.

Yanela Mbuthuma: 5

The striker missed two golden chances to score in the match. He planted one header straight at the goalkeeper and another cannoned off the woodwork. He is still adjusting to life at Pirates and this match may have come too soon for him.

Substitutes:

Tshepgang Moremi: 6

The winger had little influence on the match. He has not hit top form since the Africa Cup of Nations.

Andre De Jong: 6

The game passed him by after being introduced. He struggled to press high and was hardly involved in the final third.

Deano Van Rooyen: 6

He replaced the injured Sebelebele at right back. He had a couple of good carries from deep and arguably should have started the match.

Daniel Msendami: 6

The speed merchant came on late to try to rescue a point. He made little impact as Sundowns were defending deep and not giving the Zimbabwean winger space to run into.