Orlando Pirates came from behind to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Amakhosi got off to the perfect start after getting the breakthrough in the sixth minute when Ashley Du Preez found the back of the net after firing his effort into the top corner with his powerful striker after being played through on goal by Pule Mmodi.
Pirates levelled matters in the 24th minute when Monnapule Saleng placed the ball into the bottom corner after receiving a lovely ball from Tshegofatso Mabasa following a mistake at the back by Chiefs.
Chiefs restored their lead just before the break when Du Preez fired the ball past Sipho Chaine after he was once again assisted by Mmodi.
The game went into the half time break with Amakhosi having a one-goal lead over the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers had a chance to level matters in the 54th minute when Deon Hotto floated the ball into the area but Chiefs keeper Bruce Bvuma came off his line to claim the ball.
Pirates did managed to leveller matters in the 63rd minute thanks to a thunderous effort from Thabiso Lebitso from outside the box to make it 2-2.
Cavin Johnson made a triple substitution in the 65th minute when Dillan Solomons, Wandile Duba, and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo came on to replace Reeve Frosler, Christian Basomboli, and Mduduzi Mdantsane.
The Buccaneers took the lead for the first time in the game after the 68th minute when Saleng completed his brace to smartly chip Bvuma to find the back of the net.
Jose Riveiro made changes of his out between the 76th and 88th minute as Ndah, Timm, Mabasa, Saleng, and Lebitso came off and was replaced by Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Souaibou Marou, Innocent Maela and Monyane Thabiso.
Chaine was called into action in the 89th minute when he made a brilliant save to keep out Castillo’s goal-bound header at goal.
Mofokeng had a chance to put the game beyond Chiefs when he unleashed a curling effort in stoppage-time but Bvuma made a great save to deny him.
Pirates held on to their 3-2 lead until the final whistle to secure all three points and the bragging rights in the Soweto derby.
Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
