Smiso Msomi|Published1 hour agoWatch VideoBetway Premiership title race blown open after Mamelodi Sundowns silence Orlando Pirates at packed FNB …

Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma challenges for the ball against Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams during the Betway Premiership league match at the FNB stadium, Soweto. ABryan Leonbrace was enough to blow the Betway Premiership title race wide open asMamelodi Sundownsclaimed a statement 2–1 victory over log-leaders Orlando Pirates at a packed FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. The result trimmed Pirates’ lead at the summit to just three points, with Sundowns holding a game in hand, and underlined thatMiguel Cardoso’s side are far from done in their pursuit of domestic dominance.

It took a while for the evening to ignite, but once Leon struck, the contest tilted dramatically. The Colombian striker announced himself in the 37th minute, timing his run to perfection before finishing off a sumptuous diagonal pass from Nuno Santos to hand Sundowns the lead. Leon again found space in the box, this time reacting quickest to a teasing low cross from Aubrey Modiba, stabbing home to double the advantage and take his tally to four goals in two matches.

For Pirates, the halftime whistle could not arrive soon enough. Yet whatever words were shared in the dressing room had an immediate effect.