Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp's faith in goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi paid dividends in the recent Soweto Derby as the Nigerian goalkeeper came up clutch with a performance that was much appreciated by the Amakhosi supporters. Check it out!
The Nigerian came under much scrutiny from certain sections of the Chiefs fan base in recent weeks and had the chance to silence those critics in the biggest fixture in South African football. With Chiefs beating Pirates with the solitary goal, Akpeyi grabbed all the headlines.
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Akpeyi earned himself a Man of the Match award in the process after providing numerous match-winning saves throughout the 90 minutes.
As Itumeleng Khune watched on from the bench, Akepyi's triple save in the second half was arguably his best moment from the game as social media reacted swiftly to his performance against Pirates.
To see images of the Soweto Derby, scroll through the gallery above.
Here is how social media reacted to Akpeyi's performance:
Akpeyi must always be the keeper when Kaizer Chiefs play pirates. We appreciate you Daniel Akpeyi?????? #SowetoDerby #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/PcbpiFH8UW
Akpeyi is humble , modest ... stating Khune is the number one he is just fortunate to be playing ahead of him , truth is he is just as good !! pic.twitter.com/Po4FjSxXzy
I don't know what the question is, but Akpeyi is the answer. pic.twitter.com/0y0oMSy7fO
We owe u an Apology... u have proved yourself over and over and over and over again... King ?? Akpeyi ???? pic.twitter.com/NLrw2pzRBI
After all the bad talk us fans of Kaizer Chiefs to Akpeyi after the mistake against the Team of Choice he came back today much stronger than before
And for that I salute U, well deserved Man of the Match ?????? pic.twitter.com/RvuHlGAkgA
I don’t know what the question is but AKPEYI is the answer ????????????????????????????
##ThankYouJesus#SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/rZSQjTlTz1
Akpeyi please accept our apologies. pic.twitter.com/Kk7kdClVEk
#Amakhosi4Life
When the country was nearly getting out of hand
Akpeyi: ???? pic.twitter.com/zgeUf1N9ha
As a Kaizer Chiefs Fan I Therefore Vote For The Authorization Of Our Goal Keeper Daniel Akpeyi's Raise???? Yindoda???? #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/aTOgFEqFfr
Do you think Akpeyi earned his place in the Chiefs starting XI?
