Pirates beat Chiefs to extend Soweto Derby dominance

Orlando Pirates moved top of the league after beating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the 186th Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The victory was Pirates’ seventh successive league win and extended their unbeaten run against Chiefs to seven league derbies. Chiefs suffered their first league defeat of the season, despite making a positive start and testing their opponents’ defence.

Yanela Mbuthuma put Pirates ahead in the 24th minute before Pule Mmodi levelled for Chiefs five minutes later. Tshepang Moremi restored Pirates’ advantage 10 minutes into the second half, and the visitors controlled much of the match thereafter.

Pirates now have 25 points, two clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, who were due to play Durban City in Rustenburg later on Saturday.

Chiefs began with greater purpose than their recent form suggested. Wandile Duba was denied by Sipho Chaine after a quick counter-attack in the 13th minute, while Mmodi sent another effort wide from inside the six-yard box soon afterwards.

Lebone Seema headed wide in the 18th minute, but Pirates responded with a series of accurate long passes from Simphiwe Selepe. The first found Mbuthuma, although Inacio Miguel dispossessed him after he hesitated in front of goal.

Mbuthuma made no mistake a minute later. His shot took a deflection off Thabo Moloisane and evaded Brandon Petersen to give Pirates the lead. Chiefs appeared to have grounds for complaint, however, as Mbuthuma looked to be offside when Selepe played the pass.

Chiefs were level in the 29th minute when Chaine failed to hold Mduduzi Vilakazi’s weak shot. The loose ball fell to Mmodi, who bundled it over the line.

The remainder of the first half was closely contested, but Pirates emerged with greater control after the interval. Moremi finished from Thapelo Mokobodi’s low cross after a decisive pass from Simphiwe Masilela to put Pirates back in front.

Chiefs struggled to regain momentum as Pirates’ substitutes, including Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis, helped their side take control. Pirates created several chances to extend their lead, although they occasionally chose complicated solutions when a simpler finish was available.

Moremi, Mbuthuma and substitute Mpho Padime combined to open up the Chiefs defence in the 74th minute, but Padime could not complete the move. Moremi then struck the crossbar with a cross-cum-shot six minutes from time, with Petersen stranded.

Appollis later appeared to score after Makgopa and Padime had unlocked the defence, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Replays indicated that Deon Hotto, rather than Appollis, was offside and was not interfering with play.

Hotto and Makgopa both sent efforts wide in the closing stages. Chiefs’ hopes ended when Miguel was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving Pirates to secure another derby victory.