Pirates recover from gut punch to draw Chiefs in Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs struck first in the second half but could not hold on to stun fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in the latest edition of the Soweto Derby. Kamogelo Sebelebele responded for the Bucs with a 75th minute equalizer in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to save a point for the Betway Premiership title chasers.

Wandile Duba burst away from the Bucs defense in the 62nd minute down the right flank before setting up Pule Mmodi for the opening goal. However, Sebelebele responded thirteen minutes later by pouncing on a rebound after Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen spilled a low shot into his path.

AmaKhosi had to suffer during a first half where they were limited to half-chances. They had goalkeeper Petersen to thank, who produced a couple of crucial saves including a diving effort to deny Sebelebele close to halftime.

☠️ 𝕊𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕥𝕠 𝔻𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕪 ✌️

🛑 What a save by Brandon Petersen!

𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 0⃣➖0⃣ 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐬

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While the Bucs looked more dangerous with influential playmakers Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis heavily involved in the first half, they suffered a blow when in form attacker Tshepang Moremi was forced off due to injury after the half-hour mark. Despite controlling the opening 45 minutes, failure to capitalize allowed their rivals to regroup at halftime.

And after holding out well thanks to the efforts of Petersen, it was Chiefs who came out inspired for the second half and utilized their pace on the wings to strike first. Duba left halftime substitute Masindi Nemtajela as well as central midfielder Thalente Mbatha in the dust before crossing low to find Mmodi for a first-time finish at the far post and AmaKhosi supporters were in ecstasy.

Pirates punch back

But Pirates kept their composure despite frustration and continued to plug away. Petersen’s impeccable form gave way to the slightest of slip-ups and the title chasers were able to pounce in the 75th minute when Deon Hotto’s speculative low effort was parried by the goalkeeper right into the path of Sebelebele who made no mistake with Petersen on the ground.

From that point on, the match was a fierce battle with plenty of energy expended but no goals to show for it. Orlando Pirates move two points clear of title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns but the defending champions now have a match in hand and can overtake the Bucs. Masandawana are in action against Richards Bay with the match scoreless in the first half at the time of publication.

Kaizer Chiefs are in third place, twelve points back of their rivals but firm favorites to qualify for continental football next season.