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León Brace Lifts Sundowns Over Pirates to Tighten Betway Premiership Race

Pirates’ 14-match unbeaten run ended, with both clubs turning to weekend Nedbank Cup duties.

Overview

  • Brayan León struck twice before halftime at FNB Stadium as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-1, with Patrick Maswanganyi replying early in the second half.
  • The result leaves Pirates on 38 points from 17 matches and Sundowns on 35 from 16, trimming the lead to three with the champions holding a game in hand.
  • Pirates’ 14-match unbeaten league run was snapped, as Ronwen Williams’ early saves kept Sundowns level before they seized control.
  • Sundowns were without suspended midfielder Bathusi Aubaas due to accumulated yellow cards, while both sides named near full-strength line-ups confirmed before kickoff.
  • Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisted the title race remains open, as Pirates host Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup before the Soweto derby and Sundowns face TS Galaxy.