Orlando Pirates come from behind to take Soweto Derby bragging rights

Chiefs started brightly, taking an early lead, but were eventually outclassed by a resilient Pirates side that responded with character — equalizing before the halftime break before sealing the win in the second half.

Amakhosi's misery was compounded when defender Bradley Cross was sent off late in the match, leaving them to finish with ten men.

For the Naturena-based side, the defeat is a major blow to their aspirations of a top-eight finish.

They remain stuck in ninth place with 30 points from 26 matches, having now gone five derbies without victory — a streak that underscores the club's deepening struggles.

In contrast, Pirates continue to build serious momentum. Sitting second on the table with 49 points from 22 matches, the Buccaneers have reignited their title hopes and now trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points, with a game in hand.

The clash ignited early when Glody Lilepo put Chiefs in front in just the third minute, latching onto a superb assist from Dillan Solomons to send the home crowd into raptures.

Pirates, however, refused to be rattled. They nearly hit back after the 15-minute mark with a clever quick free-kick routine, but Edmilson Dove's alert defending denied Tapelo Xoki a clear chance to level.

As the Buccaneers gained control, their pressure paid off when Mohau Nkota carved open the Chiefs defense with a pinpoint pass to Evidence Makgopa, who slotted home with a precise low finish past Bruce Bvuma.

Chiefs came close to retaking the lead just before halftime after a dangerous cross from Yusuf Maart nearly resulted in an own goal by Mbekezile Mbokazi, but Sipho Chaine reacted superbly to keep it out.

The second half turned into a tactical battle, with both sides pushing for supremacy. But it was Bucs who showed greater intent and quality, and they were rewarded in the 69th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng fired home to put them ahead for the first time.

As the match wore on, Chiefs visibly lost composure and intensity. Their frustrations boiled over late in the game when Cross received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Amakhosi depleted and deflated as the final whistle blew, which makes the final of the Nedbank Cup between the two teams more exciting next-week.