Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs (2-1) to go top of the Premiership

31.10.26 FT South African Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates

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Kaizer Chiefs

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Tshepang Moremi scored the winner as Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs to move top of the Betway Premiership and end their rivals' unbeaten start.

Orlando Pirates claimed the Soweto Derby spoils and the league lead with a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October. Yanela Mbuthuma and Pule Mmodi exchanged first-half goals before Moremi capitalised on a Brandon Petersen mistake to settle the contest after the break.

The result takes Abdeslam Ouaddou's side to 25 points from nine matches, two ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns before their next fixture. Chiefs remain on 14 points, with their first league defeat of the campaign leaving them 11 behind their neighbours.

Mbuthuma and Mmodi trade first-half goals

Mbuthuma opened the scoring midway through the first half, registering his first Soweto Derby goal. Chiefs responded six minutes later through Mmodi to restore parity and ensure the teams went into the interval level.

Fernando Da Cruz's side had reasons for encouragement at the break. Although Pirates held 54 per cent possession, Chiefs had attempted eight shots to their opponents' four. The opening period offered little suggestion that either side would have a comfortable route to victory.

Petersen mistake hands Moremi the decisive moment

The breakthrough came in the 54th minute. Petersen's attempted distribution went wrong, allowing Moremi to take advantage and put the Buccaneers back in front.

Chiefs could not find a second equaliser. Their afternoon ended with a further setback when centre-back Inácio Miguel received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving Amakhosi to finish with ten players.

Pirates strengthen their grip on the rivalry

The victory extends Pirates' unbeaten Betway Premiership campaign to eight wins and a draw. Chiefs, meanwhile, have three victories, five draws and one defeat.

It also continues Pirates' recent league derby dominance. They beat Chiefs 3-0 in February and drew 1-1 in April. This time, Moremi supplied the decisive contribution in a result carrying consequences at the top of the table.

Read also : Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: confirmed Soweto Derby line-ups

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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South African Betway Premiership