Kaizer Chiefs DDC got off to a winning start with captain Neo Bohloko netting twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Samkelo Msimango scored Chiefs’ other goal, while Pirates replied through Siyabonga Ngwenya and Lwandle Nzimande.
The match began cautiously, with both sides taking their time to settle into the contest while avoiding any early mistakes. As the game progressed, however, both teams grew in confidence and began pushing forward in search of scoring opportunities.
The Glamour Boys broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through Neo Bohloko, who capitalised on Tristan O’Malley’s mistake before unleashing a long-range effort that sailed over goalkeeper Viwe Fetsha and into the net.
Six minutes later, Bohloko struck again to double Amakhosi’s advantage, before Samkelo Msimango added a third goal in the 39th minute.
The Buccaneers threatened to pull a goal back on several occasions, but their efforts failed to produce a breakthrough. However, their persistence eventually paid off when Siyabonga Ngwenya found the back of the net with a well-struck volley to reduce the deficit.
The Sea Robbers were then awarded a penalty after Ngwenya was later brought down inside the box. Lwandle Nzimande stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to pull another goal back.
Buoyed by growing confidence, Ezimnyama Ngenkani kept pressing forward, determined to find the leveller. Chiefs were reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when Emile Dortley was sent off but still went to grab maximum points against their arch-rivals.
OTHER SUNDAY RESULTS
• TS Galaxy 1-0 Polokwane City
• Richards Bay 2-0 Milford
SATURDAY RESULTS
• Siwelele 0-1 Sekhukhune United
• Kruger United 2-0 Marumo Gallants
• Durban City 2-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
• Chippa United 2-1 Stellenbosch
• AmaZulu 2-0 Golden Arrows