By Mark Ogagan
Orlando Pirates claimed the bragging rights yet again in the Soweto Derby on Saturday when they defeated 10-man Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 to secure a Premiership double over their fierce rivals.
A cracking game at FNB Stadium saw Glody Lilepo scoring for Amakhosi and Evidence Makgopa for the Buccaneers in the first-half, while Relebohile Mofokeng’s second-half strike secured the victory for the Buccaneers.
For this match, Pirates made two changes to their starting eleven from the previous game, with Tapelo Xoki and Makhehlene Makhaula stepping in for Nkosinathi Sibisi and Kabelo Dlamini.
Chiefs, on the other hand, made four changes to their line-up, with Edmilson Dove, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, Pule Mmodi, and Gaston Sirino coming in for Happy Mashiane, Thabo Cele, Ashley du Preez, and Wandile Duba.
A lively start saw Amakhosi take an early lead in the 2nd minute. Glody Lilepo was on hand to finish inside the box following a cutback from Dillan Solomons.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys showed persistent attacking intent whenever they moved into the opposition’s half.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani lacked sharpness in the early stages of the match, with their midfield failing to provide the necessary creative impetus.
The Sea Robbers found their equaliser in the 24th minute, with Evidence Makgopa slotting past Bruce Bvuma after being played through by Mohau Nkota.
In the 32nd minute, Bruce Bvuma pulled off a tremendous save, denying Tapelo Xoki’s close-range header following a Deon Hotto free-kick.
Just four minutes later, in the 36th minute, Makgopa almost scored again, but his shot from outside the box narrowly missed the target.
Before half-time, a dangerous cross from Maart almost resulted in an own goal by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but Sipho Chaine intervened to make a crucial save for Pirates.
Pirates went ahead in the 69th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng beat Bruce Bvuma inside the box. He capitalised after Deon Hotto’s initial effort was blocked.
A moment of near disaster for Chiefs saw Dillan Solomons inadvertently direct the ball towards his own goal, only for the woodwork to deny Pirates a third.
In additional time, Bradley Cross was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for what appeared to be a foul on Nkota.
The two sides will lock horns again next Saturday in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
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