Makgopa steers Bucs past Chiefs in Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates ended their run of four straight losses to Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Premiership thanks to a 1-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson went Zitha Kwinika ahead Reeve Frosler while Sibongiseni Mthethwa came in for Mduduzi Shabalala. For Pirates, Tapelo Xoki, Miguel Timm and Kermit Erasmus were recalled to the line-up.

Seven minutes into the contest, Pirates were forced to make a change as James Monyane, the match-winner in midweek, was replaced by Bandile Shandu after colliding with Yusuf Maart.

Pirates made another enforced change on 16 minutes with Erasmus sacrificed following an injury and young Relebohile Mofokeng came on in his place.

The changes didn't affect the visitors, who took the lead two minutes later when Evidence Makgopa popped up at the far post and steered a pass from Shandu for his first derby goal.

Substitute Mofokeng looked to double the Buccaneers' lead around halftime with a snap shot from the edge of the box following a one-touch move, but Khune tipped over the crossbar.

Chiefs turned focus to the bench ahead of the second half and took off Keagan Dolly to bring Pule Mmodi on the field of play.

Mmodi were keen to hit the ground running and came in from a tight angle to get a shot away, but ended going wide of Buthelezi's goal.

The match were lively within the closing quarter, though the Amakhosi were denied the equaliser when Buthelezi tipped Edson Castillo's powerful header from Edmilson Dove's cross onto the upright.

Pirates enjoyed a strong finish late on where Patrick Maswanganyi's stern shot in the area drew a save from Khune before substitute Vincent Pule mis-timed a back-post delivery.

The missed opportunities didn't matter though, as the Buccaneers emerged with the points and bragging rights and left their bitter rivals heart broken.

Confirmed line-ups:

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Kwinika, Ditlhokwe, Msimango, Dove, Maart, Castillo, Mthethwa, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Dolly, Chivaviro

Subs: Bvuma, Hlanti, Frosler, Njabulo Ngcobo, Zwane, Matlou, Mmodi, Saile, Shabalala

Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Monyane, Ndah, Xoki, Hotto, Monare, Timm, Maswanganyi, Lorch, Erasmus, Makgopa.

Subs: Ofori, Pule, Mofokeng, Shandu, Kimvuidi, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Lepasa, Sibisi

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