Impressive Kaizer Chiefs denied by controversial call as Orlando Pirates grab Soweto Derby bragging rights to pile pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates came into the match aware that a win was all they needed to pile pressure on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, it was not going to be easy against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. Pule Mmodi could have given Amakhosi the lead early but he opted to round Sipho Chaine, and the latter did well to deny him.

After Bruce Bvuma had done everything to keep a clean sheet, a controversial moment by referee Masixole Bambiso in the added minutes decided the game.

Relebohile Mofokeng found his way into the danger zone and Njabulo Blom, in his desperate bid to stop him, committed the lightest of pulls but the teenager did well to get his shot away. Bvuma thought he had made a save, only to be shocked by the referee who had given Bucs a penalty.

Patrick Maswanganyi rose for the occasion, playing a Panenka penalty past the hapless custodian to win the Soweto Derby.

The win took Pirates to 30 points from 12 games, three less than Masandawana, while Chiefs are fifth with 21 points from 15 matches.

It was a massive game for either side with some good chances created by either side.

However, it was Bruce Bvuma who had to be at his best to deny the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deon Hotto (twice), and Co.

Nevertheless, the man-of-the-match award goes to Mofokeng who won a penalty later and Maswanganyi converted it.

Referee Masixole Bambiso managed to control the game quite well.

However, when it mattered most, he made a controversial decision, awarding what looked like a soft penalty to the hosts.

The Sea Robbers will now turn their focus to Wednesday's Premier Soccer League outing against a tough Sekhukhune United team at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Jose Riveiro and his team know they can't afford any slip-ups in their quest to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title.

The Glamour Boys will have a seemingly easier fixture a day before at the FNB Stadium and they will now face AmaZulu FC on Tuesday at FNB Stadium.

Coach Nasreddine Nabi surely hopes his new signings - Thabo Cele, Tashreeq Morris, and Glody Lilepo, will be ready to lead Amakhosi to victory.