Orlando Pirates have defeated Kaizer Chiefs for the fifth time in six Soweto derbies, thanks to a 3-0 win at an FNB Stadium with 87 436 fans.
Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa placed their names in the scoresheet in what was the 184th Soweto derby.
ORLANDO PIRATES TAKE CONTROL
The Sea Robbers started the match with clear intent, immediately pushing Kaizer Chiefs backwards.
The first real moment arrived when Relebohile Mofokeng found space to shoot, but his effort was bravely blocked by Inacio Miguel.
That pressure paid off as early as the fourth minute when Orlando Pirates took the lead through Tshepang Moremi, whose shot took a decisive deflection on its way into the net to leave the goalkeeper helpless and give the visitors a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Pirates continued to dominate possession after the opener, circulating the ball confidently and controlling territory, although Chiefs’ defensive structure managed to remain organised enough to prevent immediate further damage.
Between the 10th and 25th minute, Pirates maintained their grip on the match. They moved the ball sharply through midfield and repeatedly finding spaces in wide areas, yet the final pass and finishing touch often let them down.
The breakthrough that truly reflected Pirates’ superiority arrived in the 39th minute. Oswin Appollis produced a moment of quality that separated the two sides.
Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Mofokeng on the left wing, Appollis opened his body with confidence before guiding a composed finish low into the far corner using the inside of his right foot, extending the lead to 2-0.
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Pirates could have added more before halftime, creating three additional opportunities, but a combination of rushed decision-making and poor execution allowed Chiefs to escape further punishment.
KAIZER CHIEFS SEARCH FOR A RESPONSE
Kaizer Chiefs began the second half with renewed urgency, and substitute Asanele Velebayi immediately injected energy into the attack with a superbly delivered cross that deserved a better finish, although Flavio Silva lacked the sharpness and timing required to capitalise on the opportunity.
Pirates thought they had extended their lead again in the 53rd minute when Thalente Mbatha powered home a well-taken header. The celebrations were cut short by an offside flag that kept Chiefs mathematically alive in the contest despite struggling to gain sustained control.
As the game entered its decisive phase, Pirates continued to look the more dangerous side, and their persistence was rewarded in the 78th minute. Moremi delivered an outstanding cross into the box, allowing substitute Evidence Makgopa to attack the near post with precision and guide a clinical header into the net to make it 3-0.
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Chiefs did show late resistance when substitute Wandile Duba unleashed a powerful strike that seemed destined for the corner, but Sipho Chaine produced an equally impressive save to preserve his clean sheet.
The final whistle confirmed Orlando Pirates’ dominance as they secured all three points and moved to the top of the league standings with 41 points. Mamelodi Sundowns dropped into second place on 38 points.
WHICH TEAM DO YOU EXPECT TO WIN THE LEAGUE BETWEEN ORLANDO PIRATES AND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS?
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