Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the FNB Stadium to sustain their slim hopes of winning the Premier Soccer League title.
The Buccaneers won the initial game early in February by a solitary goal, meaning Amakhosi had come into the fixture hoping to avenge the loss. But they were not going to find it easy against the Jose Riveiro-led men, who came into the match knowing dropping points might kill their title ambitions.
Amakhosi had gone six league games without tasting a win. Apart from their desire to end four consecutive losses in the Soweto Derby, across all competitions, they needed a win to keep alive their hopes of playing in the MTN8 next season.
First half: Lilepo gets his first Soweto Derby goal, but Makgopa levels
The Sea Robbers started the game hoping to pin Amakhosi in their danger zone, but the hosts looked ready for the task, playing some short passes from the back to the final third.
In the third minute, Dillan Solomons collected a lose ball in a promising position, danced his way past the Bucs players before setting up Glody Lilepo just inside the 18-yard area. The Congolese needed a one-time shot to get his first Soweto Derby goal.
In teh 15th minute, Edmilson Dove had to make a last-ditch tackle to deny Tapelo Xoki who was sure to hit the target from three yards out after a clever pass from Mohau Nkota.
A not-so-intelligent pass from Mduduzi Shabalala was intercepted in the 23rd minute was intercepted, and Pirates fully capitalised on it. Nkota set-up Evidence Makgopa who slipped the ball between Bruce Bvuma's legs to level the scores.
Bvuma made a brilliant acrobatic save in the 31st minute to deny Xoki, whose header, from a Deon Hotto free-kick, was destined for the back of the net.
The Sea Robbers could have scored their second goal in the 36th minute when the dangerous Makgopa was fed the ball just outside the 18-yard area, but he rushed to shoot when he could have taken another touch, and a better chance to score.
Bafana Bafana international Sipho Chaine ensured the teams went to the break level on points after preventing Mbekezeli Mbokazi from turning the ball into his own net after some good work by Gaston Sirino on the left.
Mofokeng silences the Khosi Nation
Pirates had a better start after the pause, hoping to get a lead, which almost came in the 50th minute. The unmarked Relebohile Mofokeng received a good ball on the left, drove into the box before setting up Kabelo Dlamini, but the midfielder's effort flew over the bar.
Moments later, Thalente Mbatha was cautioned after a foul on Pule Mmodi, meaning he will miss the Tuesday game against Golden Arrows after collecting four yellow cards, joining his captain Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Chiefs failed to clear their lines in the 68th minute, allowing Deon Hotto to play a one-two pass with Mofokeng, before the youngster buried the ball into the net to score his fifth goal of the season.
It could have been worse for Chiefs with 15 minutes to go when Chaine found him on space, but he couldn't beat Bvuma from 12 yards out.
Amakhosi were then reduced to 10 men after Bradley Cross was sent off for a second bookable offense. All fouls, unsurprisingly, were against Nkota.
Bucs are now on 49 points after 22 games, nine less than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have played one more. Masandawana will be playing Cape Town City later on Saturday.
As Pirates prepare to play Golden Arrows on Tuesday, Chiefs have a week to rest before playing Bucs once again in the Nedbank Cup final on May 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
