The Soweto Derby lived up to its billing on Saturday afternoon, as Kaizer Chiefs snatched a late 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates thanks to an own goal from Olisa Ndah.
The Buccaneers had the better of the first half, with Amakhosi struggling to create chances.
But Pirates assistant coach Sergio Almenara felt his team were the better side in the second period, until Innocent Maela was sent off in the 73rd minute.
Full time score: (Ndah o.g 89’) Kaizer Chiefs 1 : 0 Orlando Pirates
DStv Man of the Match: Edmilson Dove Amakhosi4Life DStvPrem UnityInAction SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/nLyODuuKLO
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 25, 2023
“We think that the first-half they were better than us, we had adjustments in the defence and they were taking advantage of that,” Almenara told SuperSport after the game.
“We used half-time to readjust this, we came in the second-half better than them in our opinion and in that moment we got a red-card, we have to analyse to have this touch, one against one towards our goal.”
The Spanish tactician felt the sending off was a turning point, and that Chiefs didn’t create much in the second period.
“I think it was one half for Chiefs, the second half we were better than them. We readjusted, we were creating, they didn’t create in the second half. The goal was an own goal, they didn’t have anything, so a bit unfair honestly,” he added.
