Mamelodi Sundowns ratings vs Orlando Pirates: Low marks all round

10:10 PM IST 22/10/22

The Buccaneers executed their game-plan to perfection to keep Downs quiet in attack while scoring three clinical goals in a 3-0 win

Orlando Pirates' had Mamelodi Sundowns' number in Saturday's MTN8 semi-final in Polokwane and there were no standout performances from anyone from the Pretoria side.

Masandawana had a lot of ball but struggled to penetrate a resolute Bucs defence.

And when Pirates won the ball, the pace of their forwards gave the Brazilians plenty of problems.

On a miserable day for Downs, there were very few positives.

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Ronwen Williams - 6/10

Couldn't really do anything about the Pirates goals and otherwise had a quiet game in terms of saves, while coming out his box effectively to sweep up danger on a couple of occasions.
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Khuliso Mudau - 6/10

Got in a great early cross and had a good afternoon though between him and Grant Kekana, more could have been done to stop Kermit Erasmus from scoring.
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Grant Kekana - 5.5/10

Questions could be asked as to why Kekana didn't pick up the run of Kermit Erasmus for Pirates' goal - at one point he had him covered, only to back off.
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Rushine de Reuck - 5.5/10

Concentrated hard in one-one-one situations to ensure he wasn't beaten for the most part. Wasn't to blame for the first goal but could have got a block in for the second goal and was left on the ground by Saleng for the final goal.
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Aubrey Modiba - 4.5/10

Battled against Monnapule Saleng and was beaten by the Bucs winger for all of the goals. Looked better attacking than defending and put in a couple of decent crosses as well as a shot which whistled over the bar. It went from bad to worse when he was sent off in the 90th minute.
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Mothobi Mvala - 6/10

He was a towering presence in front of the back four, winning some impressive headers and keeping things tidy in possession.
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Teboho Mokoena - 6/10

Had a lot of the ball, but was unable to exert his usual influence.
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Sphelele Mkhulise - 5.5/10

Was overshadowed by Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and wasn't able to link up with his forwards effectively. Subbed on 50 minutes.
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Gaston Sirino - 5/10

It was a case of 'almost' in the first half for Sirino as nothing he tried yielded any dividends and a frustrating afternoon ended early for him after being subbed in the 50th minute.
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Marcelo Allende - 6.5/10

Industrious and tenacious, he tried hard to make things happen for Sundowns in attack but got very little change from Pirates' rock-solid defence.
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Themba Zwane - 5.5/10

Quiet in the first half and struggled to impose himself second half - failed to create chances for himself or teammates.
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Neo Maema - 7/10

Missed a good chance shortly after being introduced in the 50th minute but otherwise added impetus to the Pretoria side's attack.
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Gift Motupa - 7/10

Had a shot just after coming on and was unlucky not to score in the 87th minute when he hit the post. A good 40 minute showing.
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Thapelo Morena - 5.5/10

Didn't make much impact in the 25 minutes he played after replacing Mvala.
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Cassius Mailula - NA

Wasn't seen much after being introduced in the 85th minute.