Kaizer Chiefs ended the early-season dominance of Orlando Pirates over them with a 2-1 victory Saturday in the South African Premiership.
Pirates defeated their Soweto rivals three times since July as Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune endured a nightmare period, conceding two soft goals and blazing a shoot-out penalty over.
But there were no mistakes from the 24-year-old South African football pin-up in the first league meeting of the season between clubs whose rivalry spans 41 years ago and is among the biggest on the continent.
Chiefs were fired up from the kick-off at Soccer City, led 2-0 at half-time and repulsed strong Pirates second-half pressure until deep in stoppage time when the losers snatched a consolation goal.
Striker Bernard Parker, a mid-year signing from Dutch club Twente, broke the deadlock on 27 minutes with a superb 25-metre free kick which eluded goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs at his near post.
Pirates gifted the second goal to Chiefs deep in stoppage time as they needlessly lost possession and Josta Dladla set up captain Siphiwe Tshababala to net from close range.
Clifford Ngobeni, Namibian Rudolf Bester and Dikgang Mabalane were introduced by Buccaneers' Brazilian coach Julio Leal during the second half, but Chiefs held out until Happy Jele netted from close range with the final shot of the game.
Although victory lifted Chiefs to the top of the table with 12 points from five matches, SuperSport United can overtake them later Saturday if they triumph at lowly Jomo Cosmos.
Source: AFP Global Edition
