Chippa United sneak into Ke Yona last 16

Chippa United had to dig deep for a 2-1 victory over NC Professionals in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 match at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Sunday.

The hard-fought victory saw the Chilli Boys progress to the round of 16. The Eastern Cape side will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they take on Stellenbosch FC in a DStv Premiership game on 1 March.

Professionals, on the other hand, bowed out of the South African FA Cup. They will now focus on the ABC Motsepe League Northern Cape as they look to win the competition and qualify for the national playoffs.

The Chilli Boys saw most of the ball in the first half as they searched for the opening goal against the amateurs. However, the visitors were unable to take their chances in the final third and the score was 0-0 during the halftime break.

With his side struggling to convert their goalscoring opportunities after the restart, Chippa co-head coaches Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September decided to refresh their attack by introducing experienced striker Bievevenu Eva Nga.

Eva Nga did make an impact after coming on as the bulky marksman kept the NC Pro's defenders busy. The former Orlando Pirates player broke the deadlock to hand Chippa a 1-0 lead, but the hosts fought back and levelled matters a few minutes later.

The two teams then pushed for a late winning goal and Kayden Francis became the hero for the visitors as the 20-year-old scored to restore the Chilli Boys' lead. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-1 victory in favour of Chippa.

NC Pro's 1

Chippa 2

NC Pro's: Mnguni, Moeng, Moeketsi, Nonyane, Westhuizen, Morobi, Maluwa, Phali, Serache, Hlubi, Mbele.

Chippa: Johnson, Pietersen, Modise, Majogoro, Kwayiba, Nhlapo, Memela, Makhele, Martin, Maarman, Kambindu.