It was a third successive win in a derby for Chiefs.
Meanwhile there was also a much-needed victory for bottom-of-the-table Baroka, who beat TS Galaxy 1-0.
Orlando Pirates 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs
For the 175th time, Pirates and Chiefs locked horns in South Africa’s highest-profile football fixture, with second-place in the DStv Premiership up for grabs for the victor.
It was a stunning goal to open the scoring, as Reeve Frosler fired in a powerful volley in the 18th minute after being set up by Bernard Parker. Siyabonga Mpontshane may have got a touch, but he was unable to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.
Frosler’s strike was the first real shot at goal from either but almost immediately Pirates had a chance to equalise, Kwame Peprah going just wide.
Kabelo Dlamini’s attempt in the 22nd minute, after running onto a great long ball from Olisa Ndah, went wide of goal. Thembinkosi Lorch spotted Brandon Petersen off his line a minute later, but his attempt from the halfway line never threatened the goal.
Keagan Dolly was ruled off-side after he put the ball in the back of the net in the 27th minute, though replays suggest the officials got the call wrong.
Petersen got down comfortably to save Peprah’s attempt from just outside the area in the 35th minute, while Thabang Monare’s attempt three minutes later was deflected behind. From the resulting corner, Peprah had the ball in the back of the net, but he was off-side when he headed in.
Chiefs were forced into an early change as Khama Billiat was replaced by Kearyn Baccus, with the Zimbabwean seemingly having a hamstring strain.
At halftime, Chiefs led 1-0.
Leonardo Castro, who came on at the break, shot just over in the 49th minute, while Pirates substitute Abel Mabaso was off target in the 52nd minute.
But Pirates were level in the 54th minute, as Peprah was on hand to finish from close range from Monare’s cross. Chiefs thought the Ghanaian was off-side, however, the flag stayed down, and the goal stood.
Mpontshane saved Baccus’ long-range shot in the 58th minute. Unfortunately Chiefs were dealt another blow when Castro, who had only come on, had to go off with an injury. Dolly’s attempt in the 64th minute forced Mpontshane into another save.
Parker’s header went wide in the 71st minute, while a minute later at the other end a last ditch clearance from Phathutshedzo Nange denied Deon Hotto a chance. Two minutes later Petersen flapped away Olisa Ndah’s header.
Njabulo Blom’s deflected effort in the 80th minute went just over, but from the resulting corner Chiefs were back in front, as Erick Mathoho headed in Dolly’s ball at the near post.
Pirates were almost level in the 84th minute, as Ndah’s header hit the upright and bounced onto the crossbar, and it was cleared by Rama Mphahlele. Thembinkosi Lorch shot wide in the 88th minute.
Petersen pulled off a big save in stoppage time to deny Terrence Dzvukamanja, and Chiefs held on for the win.
Baroka 1-0 TS Galaxy
The derby was not the only game played on Saturday afternoon, and at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Baroka picked up a much needed win as they beat Galaxy 1-0.
Baroka went ahead in the 15th minute, with Sbonelo Ngubane heading in to give the league strugglers an important three points.
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