Orlando Pirates kept their slim Betway Premiership title hopes alive with victory in Saturday’s Soweto derbyagainst Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
The Buccaneers won 2-1 after the scores were level at 1-1 at half-time.
Kaizer Chiefs opened the scoring in the second minute through DR Congo striker Makabi Lilepo.
Orlando Pirates replied in the 24th minute thanks to a goal by Evidence Makgopa.
Relebohile Mofokeng proved to be the hero for Orlando Pirates with his 69th-minute winner.
Kaizer Chiefs were reduced to 10 men in second-half stoppage time when Bradley Cross received a second yellow card.
In the 58 Soweto derby league matches now played to date in the professional PSL era, 23 have ended in draws, while Kaizer Chiefs have emerged victorious on 18 occasions with Orlando Pirates triumphing 17 times.
Incredibly, the last 12 Soweto derby league matches have now seen a winner – all by a single goal margin.
Orland Pirates are now nine points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with one match in hand.
Masandawana will be in action later on Saturday evening when they take on struggling Cape Town City FC.
Kaizer Chiefs remained in ninth place in the standings despite their defeat.
The win gave Orlando Pirates the league ‘double’ over their bitter rivals – the same as they did last season.
It was a fourth Soweto derby success for Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro who will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The sides will face each again in a week’s time in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
TEAMS
Kaizer Chiefs
Bvuma, Solomons, Kwinika, Dove, Cross, Maart, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Shabalala, Lilepo, Sirino
Substitutes: Petersen, Mashiane, Miguel, Castillo, Matlou, Cele, Mthethwa, Du Preez, Morris
Orlando Pirates
Chaine, Shandu, Xoki, Mbokazi, Mako, Makhaula, Mbatha, Hotto, Mofokeng, Nkota, Makgopa
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Maela, Ndlozi, Madiba, Salepe, Kimvuidi, Dlamini, Radiopane, Mabasa
AS IT HAPPENED
Were Orlando Pirates well-deserved winners of the Soweto derby on Saturday?
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