Orlando Pirates secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, with a last-minute penalty sealing the victory and keeping their title hopes alive.

In a thrilling encounter filled with tension and drama, Orlando Pirates edged Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, keeping their hopes of securing the Premiership title alive.

The match, which unfolded at FNB Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams giving it their all in a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second.

The game seemed destined for a draw, with both sides pushing forward but struggling to break the deadlock. However, in stoppage time, a controversial penalty awarded to Pirates changed the course of the game.

Patrick Maswanganyi, ever the composed figure under pressure, stepped up to take the spot-kick and slotted home a calm ‘panenka’ finish, sending the thousands of Pirates supporters into raptures and leaving Kaizer Chiefs fans devastated.

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, whose team was widely considered the favourite heading into the game, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.

He acknowledged that the match was not without its challenges, but ultimately, he felt that the three points were deserved. “We worked hard in the first half to try and pull the game in our direction, and we managed to do it,” Riveiro said after the match.

Despite Chiefs’ spirited challenge, Riveiro believed his team had created the clearer chances and had the upper hand in terms of danger, particularly with players like Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa testing Chiefs’ goalkeeper.

Pirates had their moments throughout the game, but the Chiefs defense stood strong, and it wasn’t until the final moments of the match that the tension reached its peak.

Relebohile Mofokeng, the young star for Pirates, had been a constant threat throughout the match and was involved in the build-up to the decisive penalty.

His quick feet and ability to exploit Chiefs’ defense earned the penalty when he was pulled down in the box, leading to the dramatic spot-kick that Maswanganyi calmly dispatched.

The match was a contrast to the more open and fluid games both teams had played previously. While the previous Soweto Derby had seen attacking football, this encounter was tighter, with both teams focused on the tactical side of the game.

Despite the limited flair, Riveiro was adamant that his side had earned the victory, praising their work ethic and persistence.

“We managed to be the most dangerous team, and we created the most clear-cut chances,” Riveiro stated.

He also acknowledged the difficulty of the match, saying that it had not been a beautiful display of football, but that Pirates had done enough to secure the win.

With the three points in the bag, Pirates now sit just three points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and will face them next week in what promises to be a crucial match in the title race.

Riveiro’s side will be hoping to carry the momentum from this hard-fought victory into their clash with Sundowns, knowing that every point is crucial in their pursuit of a long-awaited league title.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the defeat was a tough pill to swallow. They had fought valiantly, especially in the first half, where they created a number of chances, including a golden opportunity for Pule Mmodi early in the game.

However, the failure to capitalize on those chances cost them dearly, as they were left to rue their missed opportunities. Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed his disappointment, especially with the way the game ended.

Despite the loss, Nabi remained positive about his team’s performance, stating that they had shown belief and confidence, particularly given their underdog status.

“We played with belief and confidence that Kaizer Chiefs are a big club, and that’s why it is frustrating to lose in these circumstances,” Nabi said.

He also emphasized that there were lessons to be learned from the match and that his team would not dwell on the defeat, as they had another match coming up against AmaZulu just days later.

The Soweto Derby lived up to its reputation as one of the most intense and fiercely contested fixtures in South African football.

Despite the heartbreak for Chiefs, Pirates were able to maintain their charge for the title, with their manager and players confident that they had earned the victory on the day.

The final moments of the match were a testament to the fine margins that often define football, with Pirates snatching the win from the jaws of a draw.

Now, with a crucial fixture against Sundowns looming, Orlando Pirates will need to build on this hard-fought victory if they are to continue their pursuit of the league title.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the challenge will be to bounce back quickly and refocus as they look to regain momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

As always in the world of football, the drama never ends, and the next chapter of the Premiership title race promises to be as exciting as ever.