Chippa United claimed a surprise 2-0 win over hosts Stellenbosch FC in a Betway Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening.
Goals in either half from Harold Majadibodu and Imraan Jones handed the Chilli Boys just a second league victory of the season, as they rose to seventh place on the log.
Stellies, meanwhile, saw a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions come to an end, as they dropped to eighth place.
Chippa started the match strongly and were able to translate their momentum into the opening goal, with Harold Majadibodu finding the back of the net in the 27th minute. The defender converted from close range after a set-piece caused all kinds of trouble for the Stellenbosch defence.
The hosts responded to going behind, upping their intensity in attack as they began to create scoring chances with regularity – as the likes of Siviwe Nkwali, Chumani Butsaka and Luthando Vena all went close.
However, the first half closed with the visitors enjoying a 1-0 lead.
Stellies started strongly in the second stanza, but the Chilli Boys nearly doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, with Azola Tshobeni heading on target to force a fine save from goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Seconds later Stephens saved again, this time to deny Sirgio Kammies, as Chippa kept up their attacking threat.
Midway through the second half, it was Stellenbosch’s turn to be denied by the opposition goalkeeper, with Stanley Nwabali making a fine save to turn away Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s goal-bound header.
The match remained very much in the balance until the 83rd minute, when Chippa doubled their lead and secured the three points. Imraan Jones latched onto a pass from Justice Figuareido and fired home a left-footed shot for 2-0.
There was no way back from a two-goal deficit for Stellies, with Chippa able to see out the game and even record a clean sheet in a highly productive visit to the Western Cape.
The teams are scheduled to return to Betway Premiership action in late November, with Stellenbosch at home to TS Galaxy, and Chippa at home to Kaizer Chiefs.
Stellenbosch FC 0
Chippa United (1) 2 (Majadibodu 27’, Jones 83’)
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Nkwali (Matsheke 58’), Msimango, Vena, Mashego, Daniels (Plaatjies 58’), Matlou (Ramashu 81’), Lebitso (Mthethwa 71’), Sibande (Du Preez 81’), Butsaka, Kwayiba
Chippa: Nwabali, Madingwane, Majadibodu (Bance 76’), Mobara, Jones, Kammies (Mlotshwa 76’), Mosele, Tshobeni (Sam 84’), Matrose (Khanyi 65’), Figuareido, Makara