An epic duel of the Soweto gaint could not produce a winner in 90 minutes, and will have to be decided in the return leg. The match ended 1-1 after Pirates scored and Chiefs equalised.
The match started at lightning speed with half chances falling to both teams. Moeneeb Josephs had to pull a world-class reflex save to thwart a Chiefs spirited offence after 36 minutes. The fast paced match resulted in a lot of stray passes and rushed shots at goal.
The FNB Stadium pitch is spacious enough for delicious football, but both teams were too anxious to the ball to attackers, who were either ill-positioned or too tired after running the whole length of the pitch.
Kaizer Chiefs had better moments of midfield preparation work, slowing things down and passing with better precision. The patience was not long-lived to penetrate the Pirates defence. Josephs had a bad ankle twist towards the end of the first half.
The second half started with The Happy People putting more pressure on the gas pedal. A Diane Klate corner was flicked into the path of Isaac Chansa who volleyed low for a Pirates lead. Amakhosi were never down and out, pushing for an equaliser. Knowledge Musona was the end of a Jimmy Tau cross from the right, scoring an easy tap-in with Josephs wrong-footed.
The Sea Robbers came out of their slumber, action swinging from end to end. Action swung from end to end with Teko Modise struggling with his game. Tlou was a thorn in the flesh for Chiefs with his amazing speed down the left flank. While Pirates looked for the winner, Chiefs seemed content with an away draw. From experience, the home-and-away advantage does not work for huge derbies like the Soweto giants in South Africa. It is as well the home match will be at the same venue.
Do you suppose it is now an advantage for Kaizer Chiefs for the second leg?
Too much fear in these derby games and not enough open football. Maybe the final will be a better derby game.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. The fear of losing is taking over football. Kaizer Chiefs paid for it. I have no doubt Pirates will fancy their chances against Moroka Swallows, who will feel they have nothing to lose themselves. My money is on the Sea Robbers.
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