The reserve sides of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs produced a dramatic encounter in the DStv Diski Challenge on Saturday, with Amakhosi claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the Soweto derby at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban.
The defeat proved costly for the Buccaneers’ youngsters, who saw their grip on top spot loosen as the chasing pack closed the gap with just a handful of matches remaining in the season.
Pressure paid off
The derby burst into life moments after kick-off, with both sides testing each other early.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Masilela nearly opened the scoring with a long-range attempt that drifted narrowly wide, before Kaizer Chiefs responded with a similar effort at the other end.
Orlando Pirates’ early pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Kaizer Chiefs defender Kabelo Nkgwesa was sent off for handling the ball inside the penalty area in an attempt to stop a powerful effort from Masilela.
Mpho Padime stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba the wrong way to give the Buccaneers the lead.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Kaizer Chiefs showed resilience and continued to threaten.
Slotted home the rebound
Their persistence paid off just before the half-hour mark when winger Steven Mendes struck the upright with his initial effort, only to react quickest and slot home the rebound to bring the visitors level.
Orlando Pirates pushed to restore their advantage before the break, but struggled to break through a determined Kaizer Chiefs defence that held firm despite the numerical disadvantage.
The Buccaneers resumed the second half with renewed urgency and nearly regained the lead moments after the restart when Oratile Rantasi forced a save from Mazhamba.
However, Orlando Pirates were punished for defensive hesitation soon after as Kamogelo Malefo capitalised on a scramble inside the penalty area to turn the ball into the net and hand Kaizer Chiefs a 2–1 lead.
Frustration
Orlando Pirates’ frustration grew as the match wore on.
Defender Tshepo Mhlambi had to be stretchered off following a heavy challenge, forcing a reshuffle at the back, while Christian Derbyshire was later replaced by striker Will Henson after suffering an injury.
The hosts thought they had found an equaliser when Rantasi tapped in from close range following a set piece, but the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
Orlando Pirates continued to push forward in search of a late goal, with crosses repeatedly delivered into the box from the right flank.
Thuto Sesipi came close with a header that drifted wide, while Rantasi and Henson both failed to connect cleanly with dangerous deliveries.
Final chance
A final chance fell to Sesipi deep into stoppage time when he broke through one-on-one with Mazhamba, but the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper produced an excellent save to preserve his side’s lead.
The result sealed Kaizer Chiefs’ second Soweto derby victory over Orlando Pirates in the Diski Challenge this season, while the Buccaneers were left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that could prove significant in the race for the title.
DDC standings
