Kaizer Chiefs claimed the Soweto derby bragging rights after defeating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Reeve Floster scored the opener in the first stanza for the Amakhosi but the Sea Robbers found an equalizer courtesy of Kwame Peprah in the seven minutes into the second half.
Eric Mathotho netted the winning goal in the last ten minutes of the game to see Chiefs rise to second position on 35 points. The Buccaneers remained fourth with 32 points.
After a relatively quiet start, Pirates should have been ahead on ten minute after some neat passing ended with Kwame Peprah playing in Deon Hotto who was denied by Daniel Cardoso in the box.
Chiefs were presented with their first opening two minutes later Paseka Mako’s failed clearance landed at the feet of Khama Billiat in the box, but Siyabonga Mpontshane got down well to keep out the Zimbabwean strike.
The Amakhosi got their reward on the 18th minute when a cutback by Parker allowed Reeve Frosler to attack and fire into the top corner for the opener.
Pirates came close to finding an equalizer on the 34th minutes after Thembinkosi Lorch’s curling strike produced a reflex save from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
A lot of the play was concentrated in the middle of the park after that and the first half ended with Chiefs leading 1-0.
The Amakhosi came close to extending their lead five minutes after the restart when Reeve Frosler met a right-sided free-kick from Keegan Dolly, but his header from close range went over the goal.
Pirates drew level on the 54th minute after a quick move from defence to attack saw Thabang Monare feed an unmarked Peprah to tap home.
On the hour mark some swift passing from Chiefs saw Blom into space 16-yards out, but he dragged his shot agonisingly wide of the goal.
Perpah should have scored the second for the team in Black on the 70th minute later after shot-stopper Petersen missed the flight of Kabelo Dlamini’s cross on the far side but he missed an open net horribly wide.
The Amakhosi sealed the deal in the 81st minute when as Dolly’s superb corner kick delivery was glanced home at the near post by Mathoho to put the visitors 2-1 up.
Pirates had the attacking momentum in the closing phase of the match and Ndah missed a chance to restore parity in the 84th minute but Chiefs weathered the storm as they carried home maximum points.
How they lined up:
Pirates: Mpontshane, Shandu, Nyauza, Ndah, Mako, Monare (Lepasa 87’), Motshwari (Mabaso 46’), Dlamini (Mntambo 77’), Lorch, Hotto, Peprah (Dzvukamanja 90’)
Chiefs: Petersen, Nj. Ncgobo (Dube 79’), Mathoho, Cardoso, Blom, Nange (Mphahlele 79’), Parker, Manyama (Castro 46’ [Sekgota 63’]), Frosler, Dolly, Billiat (Baccus 39’)
