Kaizer Chiefs claim crucial victory over Orlando Pirates in dramatic Soweto Derby

AmaKhosi will bask in the glory of the win, but it was the Buccaneers' own undoing that led to their downfall, as they played the final 30 minutes of the game with a man disadvantage and scored an own goal to hand the victory to their opponents.

Nkosinathi Sibisi and Vincent Pule returned to the starting line-up for the Buccaneers, while Edmilson Dove came back for AmaKhosi.

Although Pirates had more possession in the early stages, it was Chiefs who looked most dangerous on the counterattack, with Christian Saile and Ashley Du Preez showcasing their pace and movement.

In the 25th minute, Du Preez had a shot saved by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, which further boosted Chiefs' confidence.

Both teams headed into the break goalless, with Chiefs feeling they had the better of the first-half.

Pirates started the second half strongly, with Thembinkosi Lorch coming close to scoring in the 51st minute, but it was Chiefs who took control when Pirates defender Innocent Maela was shown a red card in the 60th minute.

Pirates attempted to shore up their defence and midfield with the introductions of Olisa Ndah and Ben Motshwari, but Chiefs managed to create a few promising chances. However, they lacked intensity and pace in their play with a man's advantage.

A late header from Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana almost sealed the win for Chiefs, but the ball went wide.

As the game looked set for a goalless draw, an unfortunate own goal by Ndah in the penultimate minute of regulation time gave Chiefs the win.

The result allowed the Glamour Boys to draw level on points with their rivals, with both teams sitting on 31 points on the DSTv Premiership table, in third and fifth place respectively, separated only by goal difference.