Title Winners and Losers - PSL Results
Victory Tales from the PSL:
It was a pivotal weekend for a few soccer clubs, especially those recovering from midweek setbacks. Polokwane City added another feather to their cap in an impressive season, while some of the country's representatives shone in the CAF competition. Let's dive into the weekend's wins and losses, including some hidden gems.
Triumphs
Orlando Pirates
With a tough group at the forefront, Pirates proved their mettle by claiming victories against Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad on their home turfs. The team's success can be attributed to the push given to young blood, with Pirates accumulating more points in their group games than any other competitor. Pat Maswanganyi, a midfield powerhouse for Pirates, has been identified as a key player influencing critical matches, particularly in the semi-finals[2].
3 - Pirates have bagged an impressive 3 home wins against Al Ahly, a record no other PSL side has achieved.
Sundowns
SA's champions battled their way through, edging FAR Rabat despite conceding a late equalizer. They may be slightly frustrated with a second-place position, but qualification is the primary focus at this juncture. The team has attained the Last 8 of the Champions League for seven consecutive seasons now[7].
PSL in CAF
Two South African teams advancing to the Last 8 of the Champions League happens only rarely, marking the second instance after 2020/21 edition featuring Sundowns and Chiefs. Including Stellenbosch in the Confederations Cup quarter-finals, three PSL teams will be featured in the latter stages of both continental competitions[3].
Relebohile Mofokeng
Jose Riveiro's audacious plan, relying heavily on young players, has found favor thanks to Mofokeng's stellar performances both locally and on the international stage. At just 19 years old, he has become the youngest player in PSL history to score in three consecutive Champions League matches[1].
Kaizer Chiefs
Though plagued with a frustrating half-time score of no goals, the young Chiefs squad persisted in their pursuit of victory. Their resilience culminated in a hard-fought late goal, despite a controversial red card against one of their players. In the league this season, Chiefs have generated 36 big chances, more than any other team[4].
Muhsin Ertugral
Chain success has been the order of the day for the experienced coach, boasting three wins in four matches, as many as Eric Tinkler managed in ten previous games. Ertugral's squad displayed an admirable fighting spirit that facilitated their comeback.
1-0 - Nine out of Cape Town City's last eleven league victories have been by a single goal margin[6].
Fumbles
SuperSport United
Struggling to score goals is not a new phenomenon for SuperSport United, who have netted fewer goals than even bottom-tier Magesi team (4). The team currently sits nine points behind the third-place team but only nine points above Magesi at the bottom[5].
9 - SuperSport have failed to score in 9 games this season, outpacing their average from the last six full seasons[5].
Richards Bay
A promising first-half lead was squandered by Richards Bay, extending their poor record of wins away from home in the last 16 months (1 in 16)[8].
1 - Richards Bay has only managed 1 league win away from KZN in the past 16 months.
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[1] - At 19 years old, Mofokeng becomes youngest player in PSL history to score in three consecutive Champions League games[2] - Maswanganyi: Orlando Pirates' midfielder to watch during Champions League semi-finals[3] - Three PSL teams in Last 8 of CAF Champions League marks first instance since 2020 competition[4] - Chiefs have created 36 big chances in the league, more than any other side[5] - SuperSport United's season in crisis: reasons, solutions & predictions[6] - Eleven out of Cape Town City's last fifteen league wins have been by a one-goal margin[7] - Sundowns reach Last 8 of Champions League for seventh consecutive season[8] - Richards Bay's dismal win record away from KZN: causes, effects, improvements
- Orlando Pirates' impressive 3-0 home victory over Al Ahly extends their record of wins against the Egyptians, a feat no other PSL club has achieved.
- Pirates' midfielder Pat Maswanganyi has been instrumental in key matches, especially the semi-finals, as he helps the team accumulate more points than any other competitor.
- Relebohile Mofokeng's stellar performances both locally and internationally have made him the youngest player in PSL history to score in three consecutive Champions League matches.
- Despite a late equalizer against FAR Rabat, Sundowns' qualification into the Last 8 of the Champions League remains their primary focus, having maintained the feat for seven consecutive seasons.
- Kaizer Chiefs demonstrated resilience and team spirit in securing a hard-fought late goal, despite a red card and a frustrating half-time score, showcasing their ability to generate more big chances than any other team in the league.
