Orlando Pirates kept their title hopes alive after they edged rivals Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at the FNB Stadium.
The much-anticipated Soweto Derby was capped with intensity and passion intrinsic to one of South Africa’s storied football rivalries.
ORLANDO PIRATES EDGED KAIZER CHIEFS 1-0
Kaizer Chiefs made six changes from their Nedbank Cup winning squad, with key players, including Mduduzi Shabalala and Njabulo Blom, returning to the fold.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates kept their lineup and dismantled Richards Bay 3-1. Despite the first half being short on goals, it was far from dull.
Both teams had their moments of brilliance but failed to find an opener. However, the Orlando Pirates went ahead after Blom fouled Relebohile Mofokeng late in the game.
Despite Kaizer Chiefs protesting the call, the referee stood by his decision, and Maswanganyi netted a cool panenka.
Some fans have since publicly stated that the call was controversial, while others agreed with the referee’s decision.
However, Orlando Pirates fans have since flooded online to poke fun at Kaizer Chiefs, which is seemingly struggling with wins.
Commenting online, CIause commented, ‘Three points in the bag. The chances of winning the league are high. Keep up the winning spirit, Buccaneers.’
Sello Dihlabi noted, ‘Lapse of concentration by Kaizer Chiefs at the very last minute, and that was a penalty.’ Another user added, ‘It seems the only way to beat Kaizer Chiefs is by buying a referee.’
‘IF I TALK, RED CARD’: AMAKHOSI HEAD COACH
Speaking after the match, the Kaizer Chiefs coach seemingly swiped at the officials as he made his feelings known.
Speaking to the media Nabi said, “I’m not going to talk anymore about this type of referees. You will see in your studio if it was a penalty or not.”
“If I talk, red card. If I ask him about his family, red card. If I ask how are you, red card. Honestly, I think for the match a 0-0 is correct, no one deserved to lose the game,” he said.
However, before the derby, the Kaizer Chiefs coach was suspended for two matches, with his assistant taking over.
Against the defeat, many supporters voiced their disappointment on social media, with some questioning the team’s tactical setup.
However, others were quick to notice no progress and called for patience, urging the club to give Nabi more time to implement his ideas.
WILL KAIZER CHIEFS KEEP NABI?
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