Orlando Pirates moved clear at the top of the Betway Premiership after beating rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Soweto Derby at Soccer City on Saturday.
Tshepang Moremi scored the winner for the reigning champions, who ended Chiefs' unbeaten league run and moved to 25 points from nine matches.
Mbuthuma and Mmodi trade goals
The first derby of the 2026-27 campaign started with intensity. Chiefs defender Reeve Frosler was booked after eight minutes before Pirates took the lead in the 24th minute.
Striker Yanela Mbuthuma opened the scoring, firing a deflected effort past Brandon Petersen after being set up by Thapelo Mokobodi.
The lead lasted only six minutes. In the 30th minute, Chiefs forward Pule Mmodi capitalised on a handling error from Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to make it 1-1.
The half ended with further bookings for Pirates pair Simphiwe Selepe in the 39th minute and Lebone Seema four minutes later.
Mokobodi and Moremi combine again
Pirates made a tactical change at the break, introducing forward Gamphani Lungu for defender Nkosikhona Ndaba, while Chiefs were unchanged.
The switch paid off nine minutes into the second half. In the 55th minute, Mokobodi beat the offside trap before squaring for Moremi to tap into an empty net for 2-1. It was Mokobodi's second assist of the match.
Pirates threatened a third on the break, with Mbuthuma firing off target after a through ball from Simphiwe Masilela.
Late drama and red card
Chiefs pushed for a second equaliser, with Mfundo Vilakazi dragging wide in the 62nd minute before Chaine redeemed his earlier error by denying Wandile Duba in the 66th minute.
Pirates brought fresh legs, introducing Mthiyane and Mpho Padime in the 58th minute, followed by Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis in the 74th.
Appollis saw an effort blocked in the 79th minute, while Moremi hit the post in the 82nd minute and then missed a one-on-one chance in the 88th.
Any hope of a late Chiefs comeback ended in stoppage time when defender Inacio Miguel, booked in the 82nd minute, received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 92nd minute.
The result leaves Pirates top of the table, while Chiefs will look to regroup when they host Siwelele FC. The sides meet again in the reverse fixture at FNB Stadium on 13 March 2027.
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