A brace from Keagan Dolly in his first Soweto derby earned Kaizer Chiefs a 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Stuart Baxter decided not to make any changes to his squad after their defeat by Stellenbosch FC last week, barring one forced change at the back with Sibusiso Mabiliso coming in to replace the injured Sifiso Hlanti, who tore his achilles tendon.
Meanwhile, Pirates made three changes after their win over Sekhukhune United as Thabang Monare and Ntsako Makhubela were recalled to the starting lineup alongside Kwame Peprah, who made his first start for the club.
Both teams got off to a relatively good start with early shots at goal at either end of the field in the opening five minutes through Khama Billiat and Linda Mntambo.
Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane was called into action in the ninth minute when he was forced to make a good save to deny Phathutshedzo Nange’s shot from distance.
The Buccaneers came close to breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute but Fortune Makaringe’s shot shaved the crossbar before it sailed out of play, after combining well with Deon Hotto down the left flank.
Ntsako Makhubela was nearly gifted a goal in the 24th minute when he put Daniel Akpeyi under pressure and almost capitalised on a slip-up after the Amakhosi keeper took one too many touches at the back.
Amakhosi had a chance to take the lead just after the half-hour mark when Eric Mathoho found a way behind the Buccaneers defence, but Olisa Ndah was able to scramble back and intervene.
Makaringe had a chance to hand his side a one-goal lead heading into the break, but the Pirates midfielder guided his header just wide of goal as the game went into half time locked at 0-0.
Pirates showed their intent early in the second half and quickly made their way into Chiefs territory, where Peprah got the ball before narrowly missing the target with his effort.
Chiefs eventually broke the deadlock in the 49th minute through Keagan Dolly, who bagged his first Soweto derby goal after a poor back-pass from Thulani Hlatshwayo.
Pirates had a chance to level matters in the 52nd minute when the ball was laid into Monare’s path, who pulled the trigger from long range to send the ball over the bar.
The visitors were the first team to ring a change on the hour mark as Makhubela made way for Kabelo Dlamini, while Chiefs brought on Anthony Agay for Cole Alexander before Pirates made three changes in the 70th minute as Mabaso, Hotto and Peprah made way for Terrence Dzvukamanja, Bandile Shandu and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Mako produced a chance to level matters in the 75th minute when he delivered an inviting cross into the box, but Mathoho did well to get to the ball and make the clearance.
Pirates eventually bagged the equalising goal in the 87th minute when Mntambo found the back of the net after pouncing on a spill by Akpeyi.
Amakhosi were given the chance to restore their lead when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Dolly stepped up to convert the spot kick as his side held on to claim the win and all three points in the derby.
