Sundowns beat Pirates 2-0, end title streak

Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the MTN8 final, ending Pirates’ bid for a fifth consecutive title. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his team started timidly and conceded from a set piece, while a saved second-half penalty was a turning point that might have changed the match. He praised both teams’ quality and said the defeat offered lessons, with Thalente Mbatha’s return from injury among the positives. Ouaddou vowed Pirates would regroup, with the league, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and CAF Champions League still ahead. One assessment criticized his starting midfield combination and selection choices, arguing they contributed to Sundowns’ control.