Orlando Pirates have revived their Betway Premiership title hopes, while Kaizer Chiefs’ chances of finishing in the top eight are hanging by a thread. The Buccaneers pulled off a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Amakhosi at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
This was the 108th derby between the two Soweto giants.
Pirates were looking for a win to keep the pressure on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Chiefs were looking to return to the top half of the log. And it was Amakhosi who made it clear early on where they wanted to go.
DRC striker Makabi Lilepo caught the Buccaneers by surprise to score inside five minutes.
The hosts Chiefs looked to have settled down quickly. And Gaston Sirino should have punished the visitors, but he hesitated in the penalty area and the chance went to waste.
Amakhosi kept on piling the pressure, looking to increase the lead. Mduduzi Shabalala was looking for the penalty, but the referee waved play on. The Buccaneers started clawing their way back into the match. And they almost caught Chiefs by surprise with a quickly taken free kick, but they could not capitalise on the opportunity.
But it was just a matter of time before the visitors levelled matters. Evidence Makgopa made a brilliant run behind Chiefs’ sluggish defence and scored an equalising goal.
The visitors were now controlling the match, and they almost scored the second goal. But Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma made a brilliant save to deny Pirates captain Thapelo Xoki.
Makgopa had another chance to score his brace but he rushed his shot after doing so well to create the opening. Chiefs almost had a stroke of luck just before halftime.
Mbekelezi Mbokazi almost scored an own goal, but his goalkeeper Sipho Chaine came to the rescue.
The half-time score was 1-all.
The Buccaneers started the second half brightly. Relebohile Mofokeng made a good run on the left wing and laid the pass to substitute Kabelo Dlamini, who could not get his shot on target.
The visitors were on the attack again a few moments later, but Mohau Nkota’s dangerous cross was cleared by Bradley Cross.
Pirates finally took the lead. Deon Hotto made an entry in the box, but Mofokeng provided the finish to score his fifth league goal and his twelfth of the season in all competitions.
Nkota had a chance to increase the lead for his team, but his finishing left much to be desired. Pirates were now brimming with confidence, and Dillon Solomons almost scored an own goal from Deon Hotto’s cross.
Nkota was desperate for a goal, but he took the wrong option when he opted for a shot instead of passing Mofokeng.
The final score was 2-1 in favour of the Buccaneers, giving them back-to-back league wins over their bitter rivals this season.
