McCarthy Scores Decisive Penalty As Chiefs Complete Double Over Pirates
Aden McCarthy, son of former Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy, converted a crucial penalty, securing a 1-0 victory for Amakhosi over Orlando Pirates in the DStv Diski Challenge festival at Dr. Molemela Stadium on Sunday.
This win completed a season double for Chiefs against their Soweto rivals.
Despite missing a penalty in the first half, McCarthy showed resilience to score the decisive goal in the second. This marked his second goal against Pirates this season, having also scored in the reverse fixture. The victory propelled Chiefs to the top of the DStv Diski Challenge league table.
Chiefs started strongly, creating numerous opportunities within the first five minutes. Siphesihle Tati struck the upright, and Thulani Mabasa’s long-range effort was well saved by Pirates goalkeeper Bayanda Zulu.
In the 24th minute, Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Pirates defender Mmatlou Sepale fouled Imaad Hendricks, who was through on goal. Referee Moses Kheswa pointed to the spot and sent Sepale off. However, McCarthy’s initial penalty was saved by Zulu, keeping the score at 0-0.
Pirates, playing with ten men, managed to hold on until halftime. Chiefs dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances. The second half saw Chiefs maintain their intensity, pushing for the opening goal. In the 67th minute, Pirates defender Moses Mphekgoane conceded another penalty, fouling Hendricks. McCarthy stepped up again and this time successfully beat Zulu, giving Chiefs a 1-0 lead.
In the earlier Durban derby, AmaZulu defeated Golden Arrows 2-1, with goals from Minenhle Makhathini and Bayanda Thabede. Sfundo Shezi scored the consolation goal for Golden Arrows. AmaZulu, like Chiefs against Pirates, completed a double over their city rivals this season.
Full Results:
Saturday:
- Marumo Gallants 2-1 Sekhukhune United
- Mamelodi Sundowns 2-3 SuperSport United
- Magesi FC 0-1 TS Galaxy
- Chippa United 1-9 Stellenbosch FC
Sunday:
- AmaZulu 2-1 Golden Arrows
- Polokwane City FC 2-1 Cape Town City
- Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs
