Due to an own goal scored by Olisa Ndah in the 89th minute of Saturday’s Soweto Derby, Kaizer Chiefs were able to earn a significant 1-0 victory against their fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates. This victory was very important. With this victory, the Chiefs have finished off a league double over the Pirates for the second season in a row. Despite the fact that the Chiefs have had a forgettable year overall, they have accomplished this feat.
Opportunities
Both teams were unable to generate any clear-cut scoring opportunities, which resulted to a contest that was sloppy, riddled with errors, and devoid of quality and inventiveness. The Pirates were reduced to 10 players for the most of the match after their captain, Innocent Maela, was ejected for an illegal tackle on Christian Saile. The away team was extremely unlucky not to be awarded a penalty kick earlier in the match. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo was brought to the ground within the penalty area, but the referee chose not to give a penalty kick.
Audience
Over 65,000 people showed up to see the game at the FNB Stadium, but many of them departed unhappy because of the poor level of play that was on exhibit. Due to the lack of offensive intent displayed by both teams, there were only two clean shots on goal for the entirety of the contest. Even though the game was not very exciting, it was nonetheless a closely contested derby, with both sides doing their absolute best in an effort to come out on top.
It was a moment of atonement for Ndah, who had fouled Khama Billiat in one of the earlier matches between the two clubs in the 2020/21 season, which contributed to the loss for the Pirates. It’s possible that the own goal was the result of a fluke accident, but it was enough for the Chiefs to earn the three points they so sorely needed.
Victory is especially significant for Kaizer Chiefs
This victory is especially significant for Kaizer Chiefs because they have struggled mightily throughout the first part of the season and are now ranked fifth in the league. If they want to make a late push for a top-four finish, they only have a few games left in the season, so every point counts if they want to get there. The victory over the Pirates will provide the club with a much-needed boost in confidence, especially considering that it was achieved against one of their most formidable competitors.
Devastating Loss
The loss is a devastating setback for Orlando Pirates, who were hoping to narrow the distance between themselves and SuperSport United, who are now in second position. The defeat means the Pirates have suffered three league Soweto Derby doubles in the previous four seasons, and the club’s management will be concerned about the Pirates’ form against the best clubs in the league as a result of the club’s recent results.
In general, it was a hard-fought and hotly contested derby, but it lacked quality and offensive intent on both sides of the field. In spite of the fact that there was a dearth of entertainment on offer, the outcome will be satisfying for Kaizer Chiefs and their fans, as they have achieved a vital victory against their fierce competitors.
Social Reactions
People were sharing their reactions, views, and stories about the game on social media, which caused a frenzy of excitement.
A user on Twitter with the handle @Mon Bennett8 posted a snapshot of the wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, which he captioned with the word “incredible.” Another user, @pakendof, uploaded a picture of the man of the match, which sparked a lively conversation and argument regarding who should have been awarded the accolade.
The reactions of other users to the tweet were varied, ranging from bewilderment to hilarity.
A conversation that took place between sports writer @robertmarawa and Botha Msila, who has been called “South Africa’s biggest football supporter,” stands out as particularly noteworthy. Marawa uploaded a video of his talk with Msila, in which he praised the zeal and commitment of South African football supporters and showed his admiration for the sport’s following there.
The Soweto Derby appeared to be a lively and thrilling event for spectators of all stripes, including those whose primary interest was not in football. People were able to get together at the event to talk about how much they like the sport, and other ambitious people took advantage of the occasion to sell their wares and spread the word about their business.
