It appeared that the latest iteration of South Africa's famous Soweto Derby would end in a stalemate but Patrick Maswanganyi's goal in the final seconds clinched a 1-0 victory for Orlando Pirates on Saturday at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng was denied by Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma on a late opportunity but a penalty kick was awarded due to Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom's tug on the kit of Mofokeng before his shot attempt. After furious protests by Chiefs players, Maswanganyi boldly executed a "Panenka" penalty kick perfectly to humiliate Bvuma in style for a thrilling conclusion.
Having somewhat gained momentum in the preceding matches, Chiefs had a golden opportunity to open the scoring inside two minutes but Pule Mmodi was well closed down by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Questionable distribution from Bvuma put Chiefs in danger on two occasions in the first half but Thalente Mbatha fired wide and Tshegofatso Mabasa was denied by desperate goalkeeping from Bvuma.
Pirates looked more likely to score in the second half but Bvuma appeared set for Man of the Match recognition with several stellar reaction saves. However in the third minute of stoppage time Mofokeng was played in on goal and Blom grabbed the youngster's shoulder before his shot was saved, prompting the penalty decision and Maswanganyi's brave penalty finish.
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs full highlights
It is a crucial result for Pirates who stay within reach of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with the result. The Bucs trail by three points while Chiefs slip closer to falling out of the top-5 following a devastating defeat. AmaKhosi are on 21 points, 12 points back of Sundowns and now 9 points behind rivals Pirates on the table.
Results
Richards Bay 0-0 Magesi (Friday)
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Stellenbosch 1-1 Sekhukhune United
Polokwane City 1-0 Chippa United
League Table (Top-6)
GP | Points | |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 12 | 33 |
Orlando Pirates | 12 | 30 |
Polokwane City | 15 | 28 |
Sekhukhune United | 14 | 24 |
Kaizer Chiefs | 15 | 21 |
Stellenbosch | 13 | 20 |
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