Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah was lacking as Orlando Pirates continued their superb type with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs within the Soweto Derby on Saturday. The Buccaneers have now received 9 of their final 11 matches, conceding solely 5 objectives in that run.
Patrick Maswanganyi sealed the win with a coolly taken penalty deep into damage time on the FNB Stadium. The victory retains Pirates inside three factors of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, whereas Chiefs stay in fifth place, 9 factors behind their rivals after 15 video games.
Regardless of Ndah’s absence, Pirates maintained their defensive solidity, limiting Chiefs to few clear probabilities. The Amakhosi had a golden alternative within the second minute, however Pule Mmodi did not capitalise on a defensive mistake, permitting Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to get well.
The sport seemed destined for a goalless draw till damage time when Kaizer Chiefs’ Njabulo Blom was penalised for a shirt pull contained in the field. Maswanganyi stepped up and confidently transformed with a Panenka-style penalty, securing a vital three factors for the Buccaneers.
Pirates will return to league motion on Wednesday, 5 February, with an away recreation towards Sekhukhune United, whereas Kaizer Chiefs will host AmaZulu a day earlier.
