Akumu clocks 90 in Soweto Derby

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Anthony Akumu clocked 90 minutes for Kaizer Cheifs as they lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in the hotly contested Soweto Derby.

The former Zesco United midfielder started on the left of a back three as coach Garvin Hunt aimed at nullifying the threat of Orlando Pirates.

Akumu has been deployed as a defender on a number of games for Kaizer Cheifs with the coach exploiting his physical presence.

The lanky midfielder had a crucial role to play in the derby in the 33rd minute when he made a last-ditch tackle to avert danger as Deon Hotto was clean through on goal.

Thembinkosi Lorch opened the scoring for Pirates in the 38th minute when Akumu’s headed clearance fell onto his path as he got past Richard Ofori to slot the ball into the open net.

Chiefs were presented with a chance to draw level in the 52nd minute when Ben Motshwari was brought down Happy Mashiane on the edge of the penalty area.

Sammy Nurkovic took the resultant penalty but he could not hold his nerve in the derby as his strike was saved by Richard Ofori with Siyabonga Ngezana missing the rebound.

Ofori who plays for the Ghana national team has been a teammate for Kenyan international Brian Mandela at Maritzburg United before both of them left the club with the latter now plying his trade for defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates assured things 10 minutes from time as substitutes combined with Paseka Mako threading a cut back ball for Siphesihle Ndlovu who fired the ball into the back of the net.

Chiefs were handed a lifeline five minutes from time when Daniel Cardoso headed the ball home from a pinpoint cross from Willard Katsande.

The game was set up for a tense finish but Orlando Pirates put the Sea Robbers held on for the win to move to five points within log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.