Which of the stars would be in the running for the team of the weekend based on how they played in their respective victories?
Both goalkeepers maintained a spotless record, which freed up the forwards to do their job. Edson Castillo’s header was pushed onto the post by Melusi Buthelezi with a fingertip save, and Ronwen Williams was only faced with long-range attempts.
This decision might be a draw based only on their 90 minutes this weekend, with Williams’ penalty save in the first leg serving as the tiebreaker.
Khuliso Mudau, a right-back for the Pirates, should have defeated Bandile Shandu, but Shandu’s cushioned assist was crucial in allowing Evidence Makgopa to tap in.
It would be just to share the credit with the center-back duo since both defences were unbroken. When facing Wydad, Mothibi Mvala was unstoppable, and Olisa Ndah exorcised his derby demons.
Abdelmounaim Boutouil was involved in the only shaky moment for Sundowns, while Deon Hotto ran Kaizer Chiefs ragged down the left flank.
This decision might be a draw based only on their 90 minutes this weekend, with Williams’ penalty save in the first leg serving as the tiebreaker.
Khuliso Mudau, a right-back for the Pirates, should have defeated Bandile Shandu, but Shandu’s cushioned assist was crucial in allowing Evidence Makgopa to tap in.
It would be just to share the credit with the center-back duo since both defences were unbroken. When it came to Wydad, Mothibi Mvala was unstoppable, and Olisa Ndah exorcised his Derby demons.
Abdelmounaim Boutouil was involved in the only shaky moment for Sundowns, while Deon Hotto ran Kaizer Chiefs ragged down the left flank.
Teboho Mokwena and Miguel Timm were the team’s rhythmic pivots; they disrupted their opponents, fought for possession, and sprayed passes.
A disciplined press that forced the mistakes that resulted in goals and strong defence were the cornerstones of Sundowns’ victory. The forwards for the Pirates, meanwhile, were inventive in every way.
In front of the mid-field pivots would be teenager Relebohile Mofokeng. Thrust onto the big stage after an injury to Kermit Erasmus, Mofokeng had a fine afternoon of expressive attacking football.
Although Sundowns’ wide players put in a lot of work, they were never able to completely dominate their opponents, unlike Kaizer Chiefs’ Patrick Maswanganyi and Thembinkosi Lorch.
Evidence Makgopa and Peter Shalulile both demonstrated their predatory tendencies to stick to their significant objectives, but Shalulile displayed slightly greater eagerness and appetite for his successfully captured prey.
