In what was one of the most dramatic Betway Premiership fixtures in recent weeks, Chippa United and Marumo Gallants settled for a fiery 2-2 draw at the Buffalo Municipality Stadium on Saturday night.
After Diala Manaka opened the scoring, Chippa bounced back with efforts from Bienvenu Eva Nga and Justice Chabalala before the break.
However, with Gallants reduced to 10 men, Gabadinho Mhango came up clutch for his side with a 54th minute equaliser on away soil.
The Chilli Boys placed Gallants under much pressure during the first 10 minutes after a fast start at the Buffalo Municipality Stadium.
However, Gallants looked dangerous on the break and actively searched for an opener early on.
Then, moments after a Chippa United attack, Gallants were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute after Daniel Msendami lured Justice Chabalala into making a foul inside the 18-yard-area.
With Manaka stepping up to the spot, the Gallants forward made no mistake with a right-footed shot beyond Darren Johnson in goal.
Chippa immediately swung back into action after conceding and created a couple scoring chances midway through the first half.
As a result of their attacking advances, Chippa drew one back in the 22nd minute with Eva Nga joining Manaka on the scoresheet.
After winning a free-kick outside the Chippa box, Eva Nga managed to guide the ball home from close range.
With the game played at a frantic pace, in which both sides created notable scoring opportunities, Chippa took the lead in the 42nd minute thanks to an effort from Justice Chabalala.
In making up for being involved in his side conceding a penalty, the Chippa captain put his side ahead with a right-footed shot from close range.
Things went from bad to worse for Gallants before the halftime whistle as Masindi Nemtajela received his second yellow for a reckless tackle and was subsequently sent for an early shower.
The half ended 2-1 in Chippa United’s favour.
MHANGO SCORES EQUALISER
Despite trailing at the break, coupled with being a man light, Gallants remained undeterred in their pursuit of another goal.
The likes of Daniel Msendami and Gabadinho Mhango often threatened the Chippa defence with efforts from in and around the box.
Gallants’ pressure paid off in the 54th minute after Mhango levelled proceedings in East London.
This time, the visitors managed to profit from a set-piece situation, with Mhango slotting the ball home with a header from close range.
Chippa took control of the tie after Mhango’s equaliser and often probed inside the Gallants half of the pitch.
However, the away team got men behind the ball in an attempt to ward off the Chippa attack line.
The match ended in a tense 2-2 draw as neither side were able to convert their goal- scoring chances toward the final whistle.
CHILLI MOTM GOES TO 🏆
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) January 18, 2025
SERGIO KAMMIES 🌶️ pic.twitter.com/JPQXFCHuCE
Chippa United: (2) 2 (Eva Nga 22’, Chabalala 42’)
Marumo Gallants (1) 2 (14’ Manaka pen, Mhango 54’)
Chippa United: Johnson, Ntsabo, Makhele, Chabalala, Kammies (Maarman 84’), Matrose (Martin 46’), Konqobe, Jali (Philander 54’), Teto (Madingwana 84’), Kwabiya, Nga
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Khumalo, Mathiane, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Manaka, Nemtajela, Msendami (Nthatheni 87’), Sithole (Mokobodi 62’), Mahlatsi (Dhludhlu 80’), Mhango (Mabotja 81’)