Maswanganyi’s 90+6’ Penalty
By Sello Masilo
Orlando Pirates claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 February 2025, with Patrick Maswanganyi’s last-minute penalty sealing the win. The highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash remained deadlocked until stoppage time when Maswanganyi held his nerve to score a Panenka-style penalty in the dying seconds of the game.
A Tight Contest That Exploded in Added Time
The Soweto Derby is always one of the biggest fixtures in South African football, and this encounter lived up to its reputation. With both teams desperate for three points, the match started cautiously, with neither side able to create clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges.
First Half: Defensive Discipline from Both Teams
The first half saw Orlando Pirates dominating possession, while Kaizer Chiefs relied on their counterattacks to try and break the deadlock. The first real chance came in the 23rd minute, when Patrick Maswanganyi fired a mid-range shot after a poor rebound by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, but his effort went just wide.
Kaizer Chiefs responded in the 31st minute with a golden opportunity as Tshegofatso Mabasa found himself in front of goal after a defensive mix-up, but his shot was miraculously blocked by a scrambling Chiefs defender.
Bruce Bvuma, Chiefs’ goalkeeper, played a vital role in keeping the game level, pulling off several key saves—most notably stopping Relebohile Mofokeng’s volley in the 59th minute and a one-on-one effort from Tshegofatso Mabasa in the 56th minute.
Despite Pirates pressing for an opener, the half ended 0-0, with both teams showing defensive discipline but struggling in the final third.
Second Half: Increased Intensity but No Breakthrough
The second half saw a more aggressive approach from both sides. Kaizer Chiefs came close in the 80th minute, with Ranga Chivaviro’s powerful shot forcing a fine save from Pirates’ keeper Chaine Sipho.
Pirates continued to test Chiefs’ defence, with Deon Hotto and Makhehlene Makhaula pushing forward, but Bvuma remained a wall, making another spectacular save in the 82nd minute to deny Hotto’s curling shot.
As the match reached the 90-minute mark, it appeared that both teams would settle for a goalless draw, but then drama unfolded in stoppage time.
Final Minutes: Late Penalty Drama and a Moment of Brilliance
The match completely changed in the 93rd minute when Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma brought down Relebohile Mofokeng inside the box, resulting in the referee awarding a penalty to Orlando Pirates.
There was immediate protest from Kaizer Chiefs players, with Njabulo Blom receiving a yellow card for excessive complaints. Despite the tension, the referee stood by his decision.
With just seconds left in the match, Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up to take the crucial penalty. He executed a Panenka penalty, delicately chipping the ball into the net, completely deceiving Bvuma, who dived the wrong way.
The stadium erupted in celebration as Orlando Pirates fans cheered their side’s last-gasp winner. The final whistle blew moments later, confirming a 1-0 victory for the Buccaneers.
Post-Match Reactions
Orlando Pirates’ Coach Jose Riveiro Praises the Team
Speaking after the match, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro hailed his team’s determination:
“The boys showed immense character today. Even when it looked like we might have to settle for a draw, they kept pushing, and Patrick’s composure was exceptional. We knew we had to be patient, and in the end, we got our reward.”Kaizer Chiefs’ Coach Nasreddine Nabi Left Frustrated
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi was left frustrated with the late penalty decision, but he urged his team to focus on the next matches.
“It’s a tough loss to take, especially in such a manner. We controlled parts of the game and created chances, but that one moment decided it. We have to move forward and bounce back.”Key Performers in the Soweto Derby
• Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates) – Scored the match-winning penalty and was a constant attacking threat.
• Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs) – Made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game before conceding the late penalty.
• Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) – Won the penalty that led to the winning goal and was lively in attack.
What This Means for the Betway Premiership Standings
The victory is a major boost for Orlando Pirates, who strengthen their position in the top three of the league standings. The win also gives them momentum as they head into their next fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the defeat is a major setback as they look to climb the table. They will have to regroup quickly before facing SuperSport United in their next game.
Social Media Reactions: Fans React to Maswanganyi’s Heroics
Social media exploded with reactions from fans, analysts, and former players after the dramatic ending.
• @BucsFan4Life: “Patrick Maswanganyi just wrote his name in Soweto Derby history! What a cool finish under pressure! #OnceAlways #SowetoDerby”
• @AmakhosiPride: “Heartbreaking to lose like that, but we had chances to win before the penalty. We move on! #Khosi4Life”
• @SAFootballTalk: “A classic Soweto Derby! Drama, intensity, and a winner in the final seconds. This is why South African football is special! #BetwayPrem #OrlandoPirates”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs?
• Orlando Pirates will now prepare for their upcoming clash with Mamelodi Sundowns, a match that could have a huge impact on the title race.
• Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to recover as they face SuperSport United, where they will hope to bounce back and regain their form.
Final Thoughts
The Soweto Derby once again lived up to the hype, delivering late drama, emotions, and a match-winning moment from Patrick Maswanganyi. The 1-0 victory for Orlando Pirates will be remembered for years to come, particularly Maswanganyi’s audacious Panenka penalty.
With plenty of football left to play in the Betway Premiership, both teams will now focus on their next challenges, but for Pirates fans, this win will remain a special one.
Final Score:
⚽ Orlando Pirates 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs (Maswanganyi 90+6’ pen)
OrlandoPirates #KaizerChiefs #SowetoDerby #BetwayPrem #OnceAlways #Khosi4Life
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