Maart goal hands Chiefs win in exhilarating match
Pirates’ confidence shaken as they head to MTN8 final
It was an afternoon full of exhilaration and delight, and the biggest fixture in South African football did not disappoint as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs dished out a delicious brand of football that had fans in a state of euphoria.
At the end, it was a well-deserved 1-0 victory for Amakhosi, who created better scoring opportunities.
As expected, fans descended the venue and filled the gigantic calabash to capacity. The Chiefs fans wrapped their grandstand in a sea of gold and black, while the opposite seats were blanketed by the Buccaneers’ black and white regalia.
The fans were not deterred by the warning of a potential terrorist attack that was issued by the US embassy.
Though Amakhosi had most of the fans, the Buccaneers had the visitors running for cover in the early stages. They dominated possession but Chiefs hurt them where it mattered most – with a brilliant goal by Yusuf Maart in the 74th minute. The goal, struck from his own half, is surely a contender goal of the season.
Chiefs could have easily clobbered Pirates but Ashley Du Preez missed two sitters in the first half. After Maart’s goal, Bucs pushed forward for an equaliser but found the Chiefs defence, manned by Zitha Kwinika and Edmilson Dove, solid as a rock.
Pirates will head to the final of the MTN8 against Amazulu with their confidence dented a little bit, especially after their 3-0 demolishing job on Mamelodi Sundowns last week.
Chiefs will now take a long break from the Dstv Premiership and their next league match will be the New Year’s Eve encounter against Golden Arrows in Durban. However, they will play against Pirates again in the semifinals of the Carling Black Label Cup on November 12.