Orlando Pirates recorded their third win over Kaizer Chiefs this season when they claimed a 2-1 victory in a PSL match which was played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Goals from Thembinkosi Lorch and Siphesihle Ndlovu inspired the Buccaneers to a narrow win over Amakhosi, who scored late through Daniel Cardoso.
The two teams were looking to return to winning ways in the 172nd edition of the Soweto Derby with the Buccaneers having being held to a 1-1 draw by TS Galaxy at home in midweek.
Coach Josef Zinnbauer recalled Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Vincent Pule to the starting line-up as the German tactician made two changes to the team which took on Galaxy.
Meanwhile, Amakhosi came back to hold Baroka FC to a 1-1 draw at home in midweek and coach Gavin Hunt also made two changes to the starting line-up.
Njabulo Blom and Kearyn Baccus made their return to the starting line-up as Amakhosi looked to avenge their embarrassing 5-0 aggregate defeat to Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final tie earlier this season.
The Buccaneers saw most of the ball in the opening exchanges, but they were unable to turn their superior possession into chances as they lost the ball in the final third.
On the other hand, Amakhosi looked dangerous on transition and they should have taken the lead after Samir Nurkovic unselfishly set-up Lebogang Manyama in the box.
Manyama's effort was blocked by goalkeeper Richard Ofori with the Bucs defence exposed and the Chiefs attacker fired wide of the target after being set-up by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.
The visitors had another chance to break the deadlock after Nurkovic controlled the ball brilliantly while under pressure, but the stand-in Chiefs captain placed his effort narrowly wide of the target.
Amakhosi were left to rue their missed chances as the hosts took the lead in the 38th minute when Lorch scored to make it 1-0 to Pirates after his initial shot was blocked by keeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The last chance of the first-half fell for Fortune Makaringe when he was sent through on goal, but he opted to play a pass to Lorch and Siyabonga Ngezana cleared the ball away from danger heading into the half-time break.
Happy Mashiane was introduced prior to the start of the second half and the promising winger made an immediate impact as he was fouled in the box by Ben Motshwari and Chiefs were awarded a penalty.
Nurkovic stepped up and he was denied by Ofori from the spot-kick and Ngezana somehow failed to direct the ball into an empty net from the rebound as he hit the side-netting.
This did not deter Chiefs as they continued to launch attacks, but they were wasteful in the final third with Mashiane missing the target with a curling effort before Anthony Akumu headed the ball straight into Ofori's hands.
The Buccaneers were dangerous on the counter-attack and they were denied a clear penalty when Vincent Pule was pulled down by Blom and match referee Luxolo Badi ignored the penalty appeals.
However, the hosts continued to push forward and they managed to double their lead in the 80th minute when Siphesihle Ndlovu turned home fellow second-half substitute Paseka Mako's cross to make it 2-0 to Pirates.
Hunt reacted by introducing Willard Katsande, who also made an immediate impact as his pinpoint cross was headed in by Daniel Cardoso to make it 2-1 with five minutes left on the clock.
However, the goal proved to be a consolation as the home side held on to their slender lead and ultimately, Pirates emerged 2-1 winners over Chiefs on the evening.
The victory took Pirates to fourth place on the league standings - five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who will face Chippa United on Sunday. Bucs are set to take on Lamontville Golden Arrows on February 2.
Chiefs remained eighth on the standings as their five-match unbeaten run came to an end and they will lock horns with National First Division (NFD) side Richards Bay on February 7.
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