Johannesburg - Lehlohonolo Majoro’s second half strike cancelled out Orlando Pirates’ opener to see the Soweto derby end 1-1 at the FNB Stadium as Kaizer Chiefs remain top of the Absa Premiership table.
Orlando Pirates knew that a win would move them on par with Kaizer Chiefs – who have been leading the standings for the duration of the campaign – as they looked to claim the bragging rights of Soweto with a win.
The nerves were evident right from the start as the first 15 minutes saw the players get off to a rather cagey start.
A goal was needed to help add more pace and flair to the encounter and it did arrive when Chiefs gave the ball away in the middle of the park. Oupa Manyisa was the man who capitalised on the 21st minute error, he supplied it to Collins Mbesuma, who drove it into the back of the net.
Daine Klate prevented Pirates from losing their lead when he fantastically cleared a Lehlohonolo Majoro shot off the line.
Chiefs had their hearts in the mouths with Mbesuma found the back of the net again, in the 38th minute, but it was disallowed for offside.
Josta Dladla made way for George Lebese at the start of the second half, before Chiefs pulled a goal back through Majoro just 14 minutes into the half.
Lebese laid on the pass to Majoro, who ran into the box and dummied his marker before unleashing a low drive past Senzo Meyiwa in goal – a well-deserved goal by the Amakhosi who came out determined to do well.
A double change occurred in the game when Benni McCarthy replaced Mbesuma for Pirates, whilst on the gold and black side of the field Majoro made way for Kingston Nkhatha.
There was an excellent flow and atmosphere to the game and it nearly ended in a spectacular fashion when McCarthy hit a bicycle kick which went just over the bar and left Khune feeling stunned.
Orlando Pirates knew that a win would move them on par with Kaizer Chiefs – who have been leading the standings for the duration of the campaign – as they looked to claim the bragging rights of Soweto with a win.
The nerves were evident right from the start as the first 15 minutes saw the players get off to a rather cagey start.
A goal was needed to help add more pace and flair to the encounter and it did arrive when Chiefs gave the ball away in the middle of the park. Oupa Manyisa was the man who capitalised on the 21st minute error, he supplied it to Collins Mbesuma, who drove it into the back of the net.
Daine Klate prevented Pirates from losing their lead when he fantastically cleared a Lehlohonolo Majoro shot off the line.
Chiefs had their hearts in the mouths with Mbesuma found the back of the net again, in the 38th minute, but it was disallowed for offside.
Josta Dladla made way for George Lebese at the start of the second half, before Chiefs pulled a goal back through Majoro just 14 minutes into the half.
Lebese laid on the pass to Majoro, who ran into the box and dummied his marker before unleashing a low drive past Senzo Meyiwa in goal – a well-deserved goal by the Amakhosi who came out determined to do well.
A double change occurred in the game when Benni McCarthy replaced Mbesuma for Pirates, whilst on the gold and black side of the field Majoro made way for Kingston Nkhatha.
There was an excellent flow and atmosphere to the game and it nearly ended in a spectacular fashion when McCarthy hit a bicycle kick which went just over the bar and left Khune feeling stunned.