Brayan Leon double reignites title race as Mamelodi Sundowns sink Orlando Pirates in Soweto

Brayan Leon struck twice late in the first half to cut Pirates' lead at the summit to three points, with Sundowns still holding a game in hand as they chase a ninth successive league crown.

Pirates began with intent and forced Ronwen Williams into two excellent saves inside the opening 15 minutes. Deon Hotto's deflected effort was turned away, before Yanela Mbuthuma was denied from close range after meeting an Oswin Appollis cross.

The hosts threatened again when Patrick Maswanganyi looked set to race through on goal, only for Khulumani Ndamane to produce a decisive tackle.

That proved a turning point.

In the 37th minute, Nuno Santos picked out Leon with a precise diagonal pass and the Colombian finished superbly from a tight angle. Four minutes later, he struck again, stabbing home Aubrey Modiba's low delivery to put Sundowns firmly in control at the break.

Pirates responded immediately after halftime. Maswanganyi fired from range and his effort took a heavy deflection off Teboho Mokoena, wrong-footing Williams and pulling one back.

The game opened up as the Buccaneers searched for an equaliser. Mokoena nearly restored the two-goal cushion with a fierce long-range strike that forced a sharp save from Sipho Chaine, while Ndamane later saw a header crash against the crossbar.

Despite late pressure, Pirates were unable to create sustained chances. The defeat ends their 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions and dents their hopes of ending Sundowns' long-standing dominance.

Both sides now turn their focus to Nedbank Cup fixtures this weekend, but the title race has taken on fresh intensity. 

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