adminKaizer Chiefs yesterday claimed the bragging rights in the Soweto Derby, for a third time this season, when they eased past Orlando Pirates 1-0.
Daniel Akpeyi started ahead of Itumeleng Khune in the Amakhosi goal, whereas Pirates welcomed back Ben Motshwari, Fortune Makaringe and gave a run to Mthokozisi Dube. With Pirates getting a couple of corners in the early stages, the danger wasn’t over for the Amakhosi as Akpeyi was called to action to thwart Gabadinho Mhango from close-range after a cut back on the far side 15 minutes in.
Pirates looked dangerous breaking through the lines; and a cross from the left by Luvuyo Memela, on the 27th minute mark, found Thembinkosi Lorch who brought Akpeyi to a save. It was the league leaders who got the breakthrough three minutes later; as Lebogang Manyama handed the Amakhosi the lead after making space on the centre of the area to find the bottom corner.
Chiefs soon looked for a second shortly afterwards, but George Maluleka’s free-kick could only hit the roof of the net.
Mhango’s frustration continued to grow after heading wide of the mark from six-yards out, just before the interval.
Pirates were out firing in the second stanza; and found Vincent Pule on the rebound from Lorch’s well weighted delivery, but the effort went over the top.
Ernst Middendorp made the game’s first change after 57 minutes, as Khama Billiat came on for Leonardo Castro.
Momentum shifted in the final quarter after Akpeyi produced three stunning saves following close-range efforts from Lorch and Memela, with the third attempt from a distance flying wide. A knock down by Happy Jele, in the final 15 minutes, from a corner picked out Pule, who went wide of Akpeyi’s goal after finding space.
The Nigerian kept the Amakhosi in the game yet again after turning Ntsikelelo Nyauza’s side-footer behind for a corner.
The Amakhosi managed to survive the late onslaught to stretch to go nine points clear at the top of the table. — Kick-off
Online Reporter