Olisa Ndah Absent as Orlando Pirates Secure Derby Win and Extend Defensive Record

Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah was missing as Orlando Pirates continued their fine form with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday. The Buccaneers have now won nine of their last 11 matches, conceding only five goals in that run.

Patrick Maswanganyi sealed the win with a coolly taken penalty deep into injury time at the FNB Stadium. The victory keeps Pirates within three points of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Chiefs remain in fifth place, nine points behind their rivals after 15 games.

Despite Ndah’s absence, Pirates maintained their defensive solidity, restricting Chiefs to few clear chances. The Amakhosi had a golden opportunity in the second minute, but Pule Mmodi failed to capitalise on a defensive mistake, allowing Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to recover.

The game looked destined for a goalless draw until injury time when Kaizer Chiefs’ Njabulo Blom was penalised for a shirt pull inside the box. Maswanganyi stepped up and confidently converted with a Panenka-style penalty, securing a crucial three points for the Buccaneers.

Pirates will return to league action on Wednesday, 5 February, with an away game against Sekhukhune United, while Kaizer Chiefs will host AmaZulu a day earlier.