Patrick Maswanganyi scored a late penalty to hand Orlando Pirates a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs and Soweto Derby bragging rights in the Betway Premiership.
The clash at FNB Stadium looked to end in a stalemate, but a controversial late penalty for the Buccaneers, which was converted in incredible style by Maswanganyi handed Pirates all three points and allowed them to cut the gap to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to three points.
As for Amakhosi, this sixth defeat in 15 league matches leaves them in fifth place, nine points adrift of their opponents, having played three games more than the top two.
Chiefs had a glorious chance to claim the lead as early as the second minute, as a mistake in the Pirates defence allowed Pule Mmodi to race through on goal, but in his desire to round Sipho Chaine he allowed the goalkeeper just enough of a sight of the ball to make a vital challenge.
Pirates’ first clear chance arrived midway through the first half, as Relebohile Mofokeng burst into space in the penalty area, but his attempt to cut back onto his left foot allowed Ignacio Miguel to sweep the ball clear.
On 38 minutes, Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma played a poor clearance from his own penalty area which brought about a glaring chance for Tshegofatso Mabasa, but the Pirates striker pulled his shot wide of the target.
The first half closed with the teams locked at 0-0, and Pirates made a tactical change at the start of the second, withdrawing Mohau Nkota in favour of Kabelo Dlamini. Chiefs waited a further five minutes before making their first change, as George Matlou made way for debutant Thabo Cele.
The Buccaneers had two sights of goal in the minutes leading up to the hour-mark, with both Mabasa and Mofokeng drawing sharp saves out of Bvuma, while the Amakhosi went close on 76 minutes when Ranga Chivaviro had a turn and shot which flashed just over the angle of post and crossbar.
Pirates began taking more risks in the dying minutes, with Deon Hotto drawing a fine save from Bvuma with a low shot, and the subsequent corner kick brought a glancing header from Makhehlene Makhaula which skipped just wide of the far post.
The match looked set to end 0-0, but deep in injury time Mokokeng sprinted into the box and had his shirt tugged at by Njabulo Blom, before squirming a shot wide – however, the referee pointed to the spot for a debatable penalty.
Patrick Maswanganyi took on the spot kick and scored (with an incredibly brave ‘Panenka’) with the last kick of the game to secure Soweto Derby glory for the Buccaneers.
The teams will return to Betway Premiership action next midweek, with Chiefs at home to AmaZulu on Tuesday 4 February, and Pirates away to Sekhukhune United on Wednesday 5 February.
– Edited report from PSL website
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images