Tell-tale signs show Sundowns have lost their grip in the domestic arena after Pirates draw

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The MTN8 semi-final first leg between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns certainly lived up to its billing, as a packed Orlando Stadium erupted in a thrilling contest that ended in a 1-all draw on Saturday.

However, many analysts have labelled the match a "game of two halves," highlighting a shift in momentum that epitomised the contrasting fortunes of both clubs throughout the encounter.

Historically, Sundowns have asserted their dominance in South African football with unmatched consistency, often winning the Premiership title by runaway margins in recent seasons. During this time, the campaigns had their fair share of turbulence, owing to various factors, including national team commitments and a demanding CAF Champions League schedule.

These circumstances resulted in a team that, at times, appeared underprepared—a situation compounded by coaching changes and a lack of cohesion among players.

In the lead-up to Saturday's match, Sundowns had displayed inconsistent form, starting strong with a 4-0 victory over Richards Bay, followed by a bewildering 1-1 draw against Chippa United, a side they were expected to dominate, casting shadows on their prowess. Although they managed a narrow victory against AmaZulu shortly after, concerns lingered about the team’s overall performance and intent.

The first half of Saturday's match saw Sundowns exerting control, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Yet, despite their aggressive approach, they could only find the net once.

This underwhelming conversion rate ultimately proved costly as the match progressed, with Pirates growing more assertive. Notably, a late Pirates effort struck the woodwork, sparking roars of disappointment from the home crowd, who were on the brink of witnessing a dramatic turnaround.

As the final whistle approached, it was clear that Sundowns had lost much of their earlier momentum, allowing Pirates to exert immense pressure in the closing stages. Analysts will likely scrutinise whether this decline signals deeper issues within the team. On Saturday, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso admitted a lapse in concentration had caused his team to lose focus in the second half.

For some time, there have been whispers about Sundowns’ reliance on star player Lucas Ribeiro, who has now left the club. Observers have repeatedly noted the absence of the Brazilian's impactful play, a factor that could have weakened Sundowns.

In a move that speaks volumes about his forward-thinking approach, Cardoso has chosen not to dwell on what was lost but to focus on the promise of his squad's emerging talent.

One player who has caught Cardoso's eye is Arthur Sales, another Brazilian who has shown consistent improvement with each match.

Sales has started to bring invigorated energy to the squad, earning recognition among fans and pundits alike. Cardoso expressed satisfaction with Sales’ evolving performances, noting that the player's adaptability is vital as the team navigates this challenging phase.

As Sundowns look ahead to their next fixtures, both coaching staff and players are aware that maintaining focus and building on the positive aspects of their game will be crucial.

With Cardoso at the helm, there remains a firm belief that this squad, bolstered by fresh talents like Sales, has what it takes to turn the tide and reclaim its status as a formidable force in South African football.