Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns – All Goals & Highlights – Betway PSL 2024/25

In a clash that lived up to every bit of the pre-match hype, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns delivered one of the most thrilling encounters of the 2024/25 Betway PSL season.

Fans packed the stadium to witness South Africa’s two football giants collide, and what they got was a masterclass in attacking football, high drama, and moments that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

From the first minute, the tempo was relentless.

Orlando Pirates, playing at home, came out with aggression and purpose.

Their high pressing game rattled the usually composed Sundowns, who were forced into early errors in midfield.

Within the first 10 minutes, the Pirates had already created two clear chances.

The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when striker Zakhele Lepasa latched onto a long ball over the top and smashed it past Ronwen Williams with a calm, left-footed finish.

The stadium erupted as the home fans roared in delight.

It was a goal that set the tone for a pulsating encounter.

Sundowns, however, showed why they are defending champions.

Rather than panic, they responded with composure and experience.

Teboho Mokoena began to dictate the pace from midfield, and with Themba Zwane finding pockets of space, the momentum slowly shifted.

In the 27th minute, Sundowns equalized through a stunning team goal.

A slick move involving six players ended with Peter Shalulile tapping in from close range after a low cross by Aubrey Modiba.

It was vintage Sundowns—precise, calm, and ruthless.

With the scores level at 1–1, both teams refused to sit back.

Pirates continued to push forward, and it nearly paid off just before halftime when Relebohile Mofokeng hit the post from a tight angle.

Moments later, Sundowns had their chance to take the lead, but Sipho Mbule’s curling shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

The first half ended all square, but the quality on display was anything but average.

The second half started with even more intensity.

Pirates introduced Thembinkosi Lorch to add attacking flair, and his impact was immediate.

In the 52nd minute, Lorch danced past two defenders and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to put Pirates ahead once again.

It was a goal worthy of the occasion—skill, finesse, and confidence wrapped in one moment of brilliance.

But once again, Sundowns didn’t take long to respond.

This time, it was a set-piece that undid the Pirates defense.

In the 59th minute, a well-delivered corner by Marcelo Allende found the head of Grant Kekana, who powered it into the net to bring the match to 2–2.

The crowd, already buzzing, sensed something special was happening.

What followed was a series of end-to-end attacks, last-ditch tackles, and breathtaking saves.

Both teams looked hungry for a winner, and the quality of play reached another level.

In the 70th minute, Pirates thought they had scored the third when Lepasa found the net again, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Sundowns then had their chance in the 78th minute when Shalulile was played through on goal, but his chipped effort sailed just wide of the post.

With time running out and legs tiring, it was clear that one more moment of magic could decide the game.

And it came in the 86th minute, from none other than Themba Zwane.

Picking up the ball just outside the box, Zwane shifted past two defenders and curled a magnificent strike into the top corner.

It was a goal that silenced the Pirates faithful and sent the traveling Sundowns supporters into a frenzy.

3–2 to Sundowns, and with only a few minutes remaining, Pirates had a mountain to climb.

The final minutes saw Pirates throw everything forward.

Lorch, Lepasa, and Mofokeng all had half chances, but Sundowns defended with discipline and grit.

Ronwen Williams pulled off a crucial save in stoppage time, diving full stretch to deny a long-range strike from Goodman Mosele.

And with that, the referee blew the final whistle.

Mamelodi Sundowns had come from behind twice to snatch a 3–2 victory away from home in one of the season’s standout fixtures.

It was a match that showcased everything great about South African football—pace, flair, intensity, and individual brilliance.

For Pirates, it was a hard pill to swallow.

They had led twice and played some of their best football this season but fell short in the key moments.

For Sundowns, it was a champion’s performance.

They remained composed under pressure, capitalized on their chances, and walked away with three crucial points.

Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane were standout performers, but the entire Sundowns unit showed why they are favorites once again for the PSL crown.

For Pirates, the performances of Lorch and Mofokeng provided hope and excitement for the rest of the campaign.

Coach Jose Riveiro will be disappointed with the result but proud of the fight his team showed.

Meanwhile, Rhulani Mokwena will see this as a statement win—a reminder that his team remains the standard in South African football.

This match will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2024/25 PSL season.

Two of the best teams in the country going toe-to-toe, five goals, endless drama, and a late winner—what more could fans ask for?

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, and if this encounter is anything to go by, South African football fans are in for a spectacular ride.