From Centre-Circle Golazo To Red Card Drama: Chiefs Hold Off Pirates Comeback In 5-Goal DDC Thriller
Kaizer Chiefs picked up right where they left off last season, defeating rivals Orlando Pirates 3-2 in an action-packed DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) opener at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Chiefs came into the game having done the double over Pirates last season, although the Buccaneers had some consolation after winning their maiden reserve league title last term.
In fact, Chiefs have had the better of Pirates in recent meetings, with the last time Amabhakaniya beating Amakhosi coming in March 2023.
Although it was chilly in Durban, the match was packed with goals, endeavour and entertainment. Chiefs were the first to strike in the 28th minute after Pirates committed an error in the centre circle.
Chiefs captain Neo Bohloko dispossessed Tristan O’Malley and, with the Pirates defender beaten, goalkeeper Viwe Fetsha was well off his line.
Bohloko spotted the opportunity and clipped the ball over Fetsha and into the net from near the centre circle before wheeling away to celebrate.
Six minutes later, Bohloko completed his brace after another defensive error from O’Malley, rolling the ball past Fetsha to leave Pirates shell-shocked.
With Pirates seemingly all over the place, Chiefs looked intent on adding a third. Amakhosi won possession and quickly turned defence into attack.
Kabelo Nkgwesa beat his marker and delivered a cross for Samkelo Msimango, who scored from close range in the 40th minute as Pirates were pulled apart.
Pirates coach Roscoe Krieling was left looking stunned by how his side had capitulated.
Krieling would have been relieved to see half-time arrive, giving him an opportunity to regroup and stem the bleeding.
Pirates’ confidence appeared to have been knocked by the scoreline. When Siyabonga Ngwenya found himself through on goal with only goalkeeper Naphtali Mokoena to beat, he fired wide.
Pirates finally pulled one back from a corner-kick scramble in the 58th minute.
Ngwenya, who had missed the earlier chance, rose highest to beat Mokoena and give Pirates hope.
It was a goal Pirates deserved, having been the better side in the second half.
The Buccaneers were then handed a route back into the game when Emile Dortley pushed Oarabile Moeti inside the box. Lwandle Nzimande stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending Mokoena the wrong way to make it 3-2.
Pirates, who had been rattled in the first half, were now rocking. Chiefs, who had dominated the opening 45 minutes, were suddenly under pressure.
As Pirates pushed forward, they missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-3. Siku Kubayi went down inside the box under pressure from Dortley, but the chance disappeared as Mokoena pounced on the ball at his feet.
Things got even worse for Chiefs when Dortley was sent off in the 90th minute, leaving Amakhosi with a nervous final few minutes as they tried to preserve their 3-2 lead.
They ultimately held on to claim all three points in an entertaining opening-day clash.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns beat Durban City 4-2 at the same venue on Saturday, with Siyabonga Mabena and Bennet Mokoena, who are now part of the first team, part of the side.
Sunday Results
- TS Galaxy 1-0 Polokwane City
- Richards Bay 2-0 Milford
Saturday Results
- Siwelele 0-1 Sekhukhune United
- Kruger United 2-0 Marumo Gallants
- Durban City 2-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
- Chippa United 2-1 Stellenbosch
- AmaZulu 2-0 Golden Arrows
