Appollis, Makgopa & Moremi on target as Pirates floor Chiefs in Soweto derby

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Appollis, Makgopa & Moremi on target as Pirates floor Chiefs in Soweto derby
Deon Hotto, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates celebrating a goal

Kaizer Chiefs‘ hope of battling for the Premier Soccer League crown to the wire suffered a massive blow following their 3-0 Soweto derby loss to traditional rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

As expected, changes were made by both teams, but perhaps the most shocking were from the hosts who had to do without Brandon Petersen but as expected, Ethan Chislett made his debut in the derby as Mduduzi Shabalala missed out altogether.

The Sea Robbers restored Thalente Mbatha to the starting team with Masindi Nemtajela dropping to the bench, as Relebohile Mofokeng was deployed in the No. 10 role.

Moremi and Appollis set the ball rolling

Bucs started the game strongly as the Glamour Boys struggled to settle amid cheers by the home fans.

Pirates were rewarded for their hunger to get an opener after just five minutes. Tshepang Moremi, who was making his debut in the Soweto derby, took his chance from outside the danger zone. His shot was deflected by Flavio Silva, giving Bruce Bvuma no chance at all.

Even after getting an early goal, the Buccaneers continued to press a seemingly out-of-ideas Chiefs for the second goal, but missed some good opportunities to trouble the goalkeeper.

It got worse for Chiefs in the 39th minute when the unmarked Oswin Appollis received a good pass from midfield. He steadied himself before beating Bvuma to make it 2-0 and ensure his team went to the break with a massive lead.

Makgopa’s icing on the cake

Amakhosi started the second half better anticipating a goal that could at least give them a chance to battle for at least a point. But it was Pirates faithfull again who were celebrating in the 55th minute when Thalente Mbatha thought he had scored the club’s third from Deon Hotto’s free kick, only to be denied by an offside flag.

Two minutes later, Ethan Chislett was fed the ball just inside the 18-yard box, but his weak effort was collected well by Bafana Bafana custodian Sipho Chaine.

With 20 minutes to go, Relebohile Mofokeng did well to find the lively Appollis on the right. The former Polokwane City winger cut in and managed to force Appollis into a good save.

Substitute Evidence Makgopa then headed in Moremi’s cross with 10 minutes to go as Amakhosi’s defense was caught napping.

It eventually ended 3-0 in favour of Pirates who are now on 41 points, 11 more than Amakhosi. However, Mamelodi Sundowns will return to the top if they beat Sekhukhune United on Sunday, thanks to their superior goal difference.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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