Soweto Derby ends in a draw
21 October, 2017
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs drew 0-all in an Absa Premiership encounter played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
With this draw, the Buccaneers are third on the log table – three points behind log leaders Baroka FC who have 16 points.
Pirates enjoyed the majority of possession through the first half but were unable to break down the Amakhosi defence as they kept the visitors at bay. However when the Buccaneers did get through, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was able to come to his team’s defence with two significant saves from Thabo Qalinge strikes.
Mpho Makola also had an opening late in the half after a clever back-heel from the elusive Qalinge, but Bibo fired straight into the side netting from a tight angle.
Chiefs’ best chance came from a set piece in the 29th minute, as George Maluleka picked out defender Siyabonga Ngezana
Pirates had their turn to acquaint themselves with the woodwork early in the second half. On 55 minutes Makola picked out the run of Qalinge with a great ball over the defence and the attacking midfielder rattled the crossbar with an acrobatic volley.
That chance brought a new energy to the game, with both teams suddenly prepared to commit more men forward in attack. Chiefs brought on Gustavo Paez to boost their forward line, while Pirates introduced both Bernard Morrison and Thamsanqa Gabuza.
The next big chance arrived in the 71st minute. Chiefs’ Siphiwe Tshabalala
Shortly thereafter Pirates had the ball in the back of the net when Morrison turned home Makola’s cross, but the goal was correctly ruled out as the Ghanaian was both offside and used his hand to knock the ball home.
That proved to be the last real highlight in attack, as both teams saw out the remainder of the game to share the points.
Starting XI: Sandilands, Matlaba, Chaba
