From the edge of a disappointing draw, Orlando Pirates snatched a win in the blink of an eye.
The Buccaneers kept their hot pursuit of their first league crown for over a decade alive in the dying minutes of the Soweto Derby on Saturday, courtesy of a Patrick Maswanganyi penalty to hand them a 1-0 Premiership win over Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
Loud in song in what is the most electric atmosphere in all of South African football, the sound of the first whistle unleashed a highly intense, tightly contested heavyweight bout that went the full distance.
Written off prior to the contest, the Amakhosi brought out what has been one of their most impressive performances this season.
But as beautiful as the game of football can be, it also has a harsh side, and Pirates fully exposed that part as they put a dagger in the hearts of the thousands of Chiefs fans in attendance and those watching from home with their smash-and-grab winner.
Danger lurked throughout the match in the form of Relebohile Mofokeng, and after having initially dealt well with him, Chiefs went to sleep just as they saw the finish line.
Late drama at FNB Stadium 🤯🤯
Orlando Pirates are awarded a penalty in stoppage time 👇#BetwayPrem | #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/0Es38OKzMz
And as he has done throughout the season, the 20-year-old managed to provide the magical spark needed to break the deadlock, with Maswanganyi adding the final touches with his cool ‘panenka’ finish from the spot.
Having seen his team come into the contest as favourites, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro walked away with his third straight league derby win.
𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭 😲
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 1, 2025
Maswanganyi seals it for Orlando Pirates at the death 😤⚽
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc @McDonalds_SA pic.twitter.com/qg81d87DUY
But he was put through his paces, even though he believes that his team were the deserving winners on the day.
“A well-deserved three points. 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 contest.
He went on to add that Chiefs were more than just underdogs that they were painted out to be as they offered a good challenge to Pirates.
“No matter what people say about these guys, they are a good team that is difficult to play against. We started the second half slowly, but little by little, we managed it,” Riveiro said.
“We managed to be the most dangerous team, and we created the most clear-cut chances and we had their goalkeeper in trouble. We had to work hard for the points, and we did it.
“We had clear chances with Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa.
“The game was tight, with not so much beautiful football.
“We had a beautiful derby the last time out, but today was more tight.
“But I’ll be fair in saying today, my team deserved the three points.”
Pirates have now cut the gap to log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by three points as they prepare to face them next week Saturday away at Loftus Versfeld.