Orlando Pirates claimed yet another pivotal win, pride, and the bragging rights over their eternal enemies Kaizer Chiefs with a 2-1 victory in Saturday’s Soweto derby at Orlando Stadium.
Lead striker Thembinkosi Lorch lead the line with distinction putting the Sea Robbers ahead in the 38th minute after he beat goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to a ball over the top to slot into an empty net.
The game continued to swing from end-to-end in the second half before Siphesihle Ndolvu had a sharp drive to the bottom right corner for the second. Daniel Cardaso scored a consolation goal for Chiefs with five minutes remaining to the end of the encounter.
Amakhosi had an early sight at goal. Samir Nurkovic was the creator as he cut a ball back into the area from the right flank. Manyama dummied it for Ngcobo who hit a left footed effort just over the bar.
Pirates had an opportunity five minutes later when Makaringe intercepted the ball in the attacking half and played in Pule in but his left footed strike was well held by the keeper down low.
Josef Zinnbauer’s charges deservedly broke the deadlock with six minutes to half time when Thembinkosi Lorch beat goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to a ball over the top to slot into an empty net.
Chiefs came back fired up from the break and nearly leveled matters four minutes into the second stanza when Manyama sent a thunderous shot only for Ofori to punch it for unfruitful corner.
Pirates almost extended their lead on the hour-mark from a quick counter-attack after Monare found self with space in the box but his goal-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Akpeyi with his right leg.
They eventually scored their second with ten minutes to go when Paseka Mako ran down the byline to feed in Siphesihle Ndlovu for a top drawer finish.
Daniel Cardoso pulled one back for Kaizer Chiefs in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a towering header at the back post after a cross by Willard Katsande.
How they lined-up:
Pirates: Ofori, Hlatshwayo, Jele, Nyauza, Sam, Monare, Motshwari, Makaringe, Pule, Hotto, Lorch
Chiefs: Akpeyi, Frosler, Zulu, Ngezana, Cardoso, Akumu, Blom, Baccus, Nurkovic, Manyama, Ngcobo.
