R9 FEBRUARY 2019

Kaizer Chiefs                              ​ (0) 1 (Cardoso 53’)

Orlando Pirates                         ​ (0) 1 (Lorch 80’)

Two goals were scored in the Soweto Derby, one for each side. Daniel Cardoso netted from the penalty spot, while Thembinkosi Lorch equalised for the visitors.

It was an absorbing draw with Kaizer Chiefs playing well. The Glamour Boys probably deserved to snatch the three points from Orlando Pirates. The match took place at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

There was a magnificent atmosphere in the stadium with the majority of the spectators dressed in the famous Gold & Black.

The recently signed Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi made his debut, while Bernard Parker captained the team in the absence of Willard Katsande, who was on the bench.

As usual with Derbies, the game started at a frantic pace. There were a few small opportunities for the visitors, but they were confidently dealt with by the Chiefs defence.

Daniel Cardoso and Teenage Hadebe did an excellentjob in central defence, supported well on the right by Kgotso Moleko and on the left by Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya.

Happy Mashiane played more on the wing this time, being given more offensive leeway to go forward by coach Ernst Middendorp. The youngster had played left-back in his previous two outings.

Bernard Parker, meanwhile, was posted on the opposite wing, supplying the two strikers, Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat.

Pirates played quite physically, often coming in with unnecessary hard tackles, but referee Abongile Tom usually dealt with it correctly.

The more the match progressed, the more Chiefs took control, even though it didn’t result in any immediate goalscoring opportunities.

It was still goalless at the break.

Coach Middendorp decided to change his tactics a bit, bringing on Philani Zulu for Mashiane.

Amakhosi continued as they had finished the last 15 to 20 minutes before half-time, having more possession of the ball.

The Glamour Boys played as a team, fighting hard for every ball.

It resulted in a penalty in the 53rd minute. Billiatsnatched the ball from the feet of Pirates’ Asavela Mbekile just inside the opponent’s half, raced forward and just when the Zimbabwean entered the box, he was brought down by Mbekile.

Daniel Cardoso calmly took the penalty, sending goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands the wrong way.

Billiat had a golden opportunity to extend the lead in the 57th minute from close range, but keeper Sandilands stood in the way.

Coach Middendorp brought in Katsande for Castro to add more steel in midfield, hoping to stop Pirates from trying to dominate the middle of the park.

There was, however, a sudden set-back when Thembinkosi Lorch equalised for the Bucs in the 79th minute.

Soon thereafter Chiefs made their third substitution when Ramahlwe Mphahlele came on for Hendrick Ekstein in the 82nd minute.

Chiefs got their chances to score the second goal, although, to be fair, the Buccaneers also had their opportunities.

Still, Amakhosi were the better side on the afternoon and were somewhat unlucky not to be victorious at the end of the Soweto Derby.

Key moment in the match:

A crucial moment was the penalty given to KaizerChiefs, which was slotted home by Daniel Cardoso. Khama Billiat was brought down just inside the Orlando Pirates box by Asavela Mbekile. Referee Abonkile Tom had no other choice than to point to the spot.

Most Valuable  Player (MVP):

Daniel Cardoso and Teenage Hadebe manned the centre-back positions brilliantly, while captain George Maluleka fought tremendously hard in central midfield. Daniel Akpeyi made a fine debut, while Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya convinced first at left-back, before moving in the second half to more the right-back/right wing spot. Khama Billiat, meanwhile, was often a nuisance for the Buccaneers defenders.

However, it was Orlando Pirates’ Ben Motshwari who was selected as the Absa Premiership Man of the Match.

Gallery:

What it means:

It means that Kaizer Chiefs now have 28 points from 20 games, being in fifth spot on the Absa Premiership log.

Kaizer Chiefs 11: Akpeyi; Moleko, Cardoso, Hadebe, Ntiya-Ntiya; Ekstein (Mphahlele 82’), Maluleka, Parker, Mashiane (Zulu 46’); Billiat, Castro (Katsande 65’)

Subs not used: Bvuma, Ngezana, Ntshangase, Páez

Orlando Pirates 11: Sandilands; Jele, Ndengane, Mbekile, Maela; Motshwari, Mlambo(Makola 69’), Nyatama (Mulenga 61’), Pule, Lorch; Shonga (Munetsi 85’)

Subs not used: Mabokgwane, Mako, Mntambo, Mahachi

Next Match:

Kaizer Chiefs will next face Magic FC on the road in a Nedbank Cup Last 16 fixture at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, 17 February. Kick-off is at 15:00.