Orlando Pirates scored an own goal, conceded another through a free header, and played like shit in the first 40 minutes of the Soweto derby. Whilst the referee Thando Ndzandzeka missed a red card, gave away a bogus free-kick that led to an Orlando Pirates goal, and was pretty much shite (with an ‘e’) too.
Orlando Pirates’ First Half
As getting comfortable in my seat and taking the first sip of my ice-cold beer, Orlando Pirates conceded the first goal. An own goal. *facepalm* Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Wayne Sandilands got their wires crossed. The captain on the day headed the ball over the advancing goalkeeper with only 45 seconds on the clock. I’m as pessimistic an Orlando Pirates supporter as they come but even I didn’t expect that.
Rhulani Mokwena started the game with no recognizable center back. Happy Jele was suspended and he doesn’t seem to fancy Justice Chabalala or Alfred Ndengane. Kaizer Chiefs, as they always do, started the game with the attacking trio of Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurković. The latter duo aren’t the best technically but are excellent aerially, and height wasn’t something the Orlando Pirates back four was blessed with.
Around the 20th minute, a cross was played into the box from the right, Nurkovic leaped over right back Abel Mabaso for an effort towards goal but the ball went over the bar. That’s when I then turned to my girlfriend and said “Kaizer Chiefs are going to score their next goal with a header” Five minutes later my prophecy was fulfilled. Leonard Castro found himself free in the box and nodded the goal home from a corner. *bang my head against a wall*
Orlando Pirates were handed a lifeline when the referee gave them an undeserved free-kick in the 38th minute. Pule found the back of the net from a tight angle. Orlando Pirates were on the ascendancy from then on forward.
