Kaizer Chiefs reserve side came from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a DStv Diski Challenge clash at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in what was the last match of the year. 

Chiefs came close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute when Naledi Hlongwane’s shot inside the box called Ethan Visagie into action, but the Bucs’ shot-stopper was equal to the task as his save resulted in a rebound followed by a corner that was dealt with. 

Siphamandla Msezane was put through on goal five minutes later, one-on-one with the on-rushing Chiefs goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba who was quick enough to read the danger and force the Pirates frontman out wide. 

Amakhosi came close to breaking the deadlock once again on the stroke of the half after Makhubo Matlala’s chip forced Mmatlou Sepale to make a goal-line clearance, however, he headed the ball out towards Chiefs attackers, leading Visagie into making another save. 

The Buccaneers thought they had taken the lead when Neo Mokoena hit the upright with a snapshot, but the ball didn’t cross the line as it was cleared off the line by Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi to make it goalless at halftime. 

The Sea Robbers made the first significant threat of the second stanza as Mokoena made a darting run on the left flank before cutting back to Cemran Dansin whose shot brushed the top of the crossbar in the 58th minute. Sepale put Joseph Makhanya’s side ahead with a neat finish from close range in the 74th minute before the hosts were awarded a penalty which was converted by Aden McCarthy to level matters just four minutes later. 

Chiefs delivered the killer blow in the first minute of stoppage time to secure all three points and have moved up to second place with 27 points, two behind defending champions Stellenbosch FC at the summit, while Bucs remain eighth. 

Meanwhile, SuperSport United also left it until late as second-half substitute Manelis Mazibuko pounced on a cross inside the box to score the decisive goal in stoppage time to clinch all the maximum points for the Tshwane outfit.

Matsatsantsa a Pitori moved up to fourth place on the DStv Diski Challenge standings with 25 points accumulated after 13 fixtures played. Overall, the Spartans have won seven matches, drawn four, and lost two in the ongoing campaign.