Chippa add to City's woes, jump out of relegation zone

Chippa United beat Cape Town City 1-0 at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening to move out of the Absa Premiership relegation zone for the first time this season.

Augustine Kwem's first-half strike proved to be the difference between the two teams as a third win in their last four matches moves the Chilli Boys up to 10th place on the log standings.

The Citizens slip down to 13th, a point off bottom spot.

City started the game the brighter of the two teams and conjured the first chance in the 18th minute as Mark Mayambela's shot sailed straight at Veli Mothwa in the Chippa goal.

It would be the visitors, though, to open the scoring four minutes later against the run of play as Kwem weaved past Taariq Fielies in the Citizens penalty area before firing the ball home.

Chippa came close to doubling their lead in first-half stoppage time, but Silas Maziya was denied by the woodwork.

Jan Olde Riekerink introduced Fagrie Lakay and Chris David following the break as the hosts aimed for a turnaround in fortunes.

Their best chance came in the 81st minute as Mothwa produced a good save to keep Mayambela's flashing shot from bulging the back of the net, while he pulled off an equally good stop to deny David moments later.

Thabo Rakhale missed two late chances to put the game beyond doubt, but it mattered little as Chippa held on for all three points.

Cape Town City (0) 0

Chippa United (1) 1 (Kwem 22')

Cape Town City: Stephens; Mkhize, Fielies (Martin 77'), Dove, Seedat, Norodien (Lakay 46'), Nodada, Mokeke, Ralani (David 46'), Mayambela, Roberts.

Chippa United: Mothwa; Damons, Moyo, Modisane, Malepe, Maziya, Mahola, Maphangule, Twala, Rakhale, Kwem (Komane 88').