Samir Nurkovic scored his first goal in a Soweto derby as Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Orlando Pirates
Bernard Parker came close to an early opener, but his attempt from outside the area, while struck well, flew wide and high. Moments later Linda Mntambo had an effort on the other end, but he too was off target.
It was Pirates who began to take control of the possession, but after that early flurry, much of the action took place in the middle of the pitch.
Happy Mashiane forced Siyabonga Mpontshane into a save in the 20th minute, but after being played in nicely by Parker, Mashiane’s shot was a bit rushed and lacked power.
Chiefs’ confidence began to grow as the half wore on, and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo shot just over the goal in the 26th minute.
Thulani Hlatshwayo made a crucial sliding interception as Nurkovic tried to reach a cross from Parker in the 41st minute, and with no other further attempts at goal the match went into the break goalless.
The battle in the middle of the park continued in the second half.
And it was Chiefs who took the lead in the 53rd minute, with Pirates not clearing their lines, Nurkovic held up the ball in the box well, before executing a great overhead kick to beat Mpontshane.
Fortune Makaringe almost punished Chiefs in the 69th minute, but his attempt after a defensive error, went just wide.
Nurkovic could have had a second in the 78th minute as he was played into space by Mashiane, but his final attempt was poor and he blasted over.
A minute later Daniel Akpeyi got down well to make a save to deny Kabelo Dlamini.
Pirates pushed hard for an equaliser, but the Chiefs defence stood firmly.
The victory sees Chiefs move onto 23 points and climb to 9th place. Pirates remain fourth on 35 points.
