JOHANNESBURG – KAIZER Chiefs claimed the Soweto derby bragging rights after defeating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a DStv Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Keagan Dolly scored two goals – one a late, decisive penalty – on either side of an equaliser from Linda Mntambo to see the Amakhosi rise to fifth place on 15 points. The Buccaneers drop to seventh on 14 points.

Pirates came the closest to an early goal when Fortune Makaringe’s attempted cross from the left of the penalty area clipped the top of the crossbar in the 16th minute, with the visitors putting together some good passing patterns – though Chiefs were a constant threat on the counter attack.

The Buccaneers continued to boss possession, but picking their way through the Amakhosi’s defence was hard work, with centre-backs Daniel Cardoso and Eric Mathoho keeping tabs on the runs of lone striker Kwame Peprah.

Chiefs had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down by referee Victor Hlungwani, with Njabulo Ngcobo’s shot in a crowded penalty area clearly striking the hand of Thulani Hlatshwayo just past the half-hour mark.

Neither side asserted any dominance through the remainder of the first half, with possession changing hands too often for any rhythm or spells of pressure to be generated, and it was no surprise the scoreline was still blank at the break.

Yet Pirates did have glimpses of goal either side of the break, with Makaringe missing out just before halftime, while Peprah hit a low shot across the face from a tight angle mere seconds after the restart.

However, Chiefs soon capitalised on a poor mistake from Hlatshwayo and claimed the lead in the 49th minute. The Pirates captain tried a back-pass which only proved a perfect through ball for Khama Billiat to run onto, and he, in turn, teed up Keagan Dolly, who calmly stroked a shot beyond goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane for 1-0.