Orlando Pirates produced a spirited comeback to defeat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in an intense Soweto Derby showdown at a packed FNB Stadium, keeping alive their faint hopes of chasing down the Premier Soccer League title.
Having already beaten Amakhosi 1-0 earlier in February, the Buccaneers arrived confident, but under pressure knowing that anything less than victory could derail their pursuit of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Chiefs, meanwhile, were hoping to snap a six-game winless run in the league and end a painful four-match losing streak in derby encounters across all competitions. A win would also have boosted their chances of qualifying for next season’s MTN8.
Early Promise from Chiefs, but Pirates Hit Back
The opening minutes saw the Glamour Boys take the initiative. In just the third minute, Dillan Solomons pounced on a loose ball, weaved through defenders and laid it off for Glody Lilepo, who finished calmly inside the box for his first-ever Soweto Derby goal.
Pirates almost responded swiftly, but Edmilson Dove denied Tapelo Xoki with a last-ditch block inside the area after a clever pass from Mohau Nkota.
Chiefs’ early control began to unravel midway through the half. A wayward pass from Mduduzi Shabalala was pounced upon, and Nkota fed Evidence Makgopa, who expertly slid the ball through Bruce Bvuma’s legs for the equaliser.
The Buccaneers continued pressing. Bvuma was forced into a spectacular save from a Xoki header, while Makgopa squandered another golden chance by rushing a shot just outside the area.
At the other end, Sipho Chaine kept the Pirates level heading into the break with a crucial intervention to stop Mbekezeli Mbokazi from putting the ball into his own net after good play by Gaston Sirino.
Mofokeng the Match-Winner as Chiefs Fade
The second half saw Pirates take control. Just five minutes in, Relebohile Mofokeng found space down the left and delivered for Kabelo Dlamini, who skied his effort over the bar. Moments later, Thalente Mbatha picked up a booking for a challenge on Pule Mmodi – his fourth yellow of the season, ruling him out of their next match.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute after Chiefs failed to clear their lines. Deon Hotto and Mofokeng combined brilliantly before the teenager fired past Bvuma to make it 2-1 and grab his fifth goal of the campaign.
Mofokeng nearly doubled his tally after being sent through by Chaine but was denied by Bvuma. Chiefs’ night went from bad to worse when Bradley Cross received a second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men – both fouls coming against the lively Nkota.
Could Orlando Pirates Clinch the Second Victory in the Nedbank Cup?
The victory lifts Pirates to 49 points from 22 games, trailing Sundowns by nine points, although the Pretoria giants have played one more match and were due to face Cape Town City later that evening.
Chiefs now have time to regroup before the sides meet again in the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May. Pirates, meanwhile, must quickly shift focus to a midweek clash with Golden Arrows, where they’ll look to maintain momentum and keep their title hopes alive.
Related article: How to Catch Both Soweto Derby Showdowns This May
