Chippa United and Baroka FC played to an eventful 2-2 draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
It was a timid start for both teams inside the first eight minutes of the game; Chippa United provided the first notable chance of the game as a low cross was shipped into the box, however Bienvenu Eva Nga was unable to latch on to the ball.
The 'feeling out' process continued thereafter, as a congested midfield made it difficult for the two sides to penetrate each other’s defences.
In the 16th minute, Baroka were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Chippa area, as the shot challenged Lloyd Kazapua to make a save.
After the 20th minute, it was the home side’s chance to attack as Sammy Seabi’s header went slightly wide from the corner.
As a player looking to end his scoring drought, Eva Nga was awarded with a chance just shy of the half-hour mark as his glancing header went wide of the target.
The game produced half chances at both ends of the pitch thereafter, with Chippa slightly edging Baroka in that department.
It was a tacky, and at times physical, encounter in the first 45 minutes as the rain poured at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
The Chilli Boys began the second half on a positive note as they managed to create a couple of chances, particularly down the left flank.
Moments after being introduced, Thokozani Sekotlong became the first player of the match to go into the book, as he received a yellow card after a late challenge.
Chippa United managed to break the deadlock in the 66th minute as Riaan Hanamub latched onto a slick through pass inside the penalty area, before unleashing a shot that stunned goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane.
Big goal for Chippa ???
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) May 7, 2022
They lead Baroka 1-0 and as it stands, will be moving four points clear of the relegation zone..
?? Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/qiSMFOkgvY
Despite making a defensive substitution in the form of Denwin Farmer, Baroka were subject to numerous attacks from the Chilli Boys after the goal.
However, with 15 minutes to go, a thrusting move by substitute Dan Nldovu resulted in Baroka pulling one back, as his run from the wing proved to be too much for the Chippa defence.
The visitors then took the lead in the 84th minute as Decide Chauke got on the end of a well weighted through ball before producing a clinical finish.
Chippa United had the last laugh as Sekotlong levelled matters in the 91st minute of the match after a sustained bit of pressure.
66' ???????????? 1-0 Baroka
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) May 7, 2022
75' Chippa 1-1 ????????????
83' Chippa 1-2 ????????????
91' ???????????? 2-2 Baroka
It's a #DStvPrem thriller! The Chilli Boys take a step towards safety, Bakgakga edge closer to relegation. pic.twitter.com/qa3tTYXNDD
With the encounter beginning on a slow note, the tie was brought to life in the closing stages of the match as it ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
Chippa: Kazapua, Mdunyelwa (Sekotlong 46’), Hanamub, Seabi, Eva Nga, Mkhize, Zulu, Sangare, Mthethwa, Pfumbidzai, Luthuli (Matrose 62’)
Baroka: Mabokgwane, Mphahlele, Makume, Shozi, Ngubane, Sithole, Kambala, Masiya (Farmer 61’), Makgopa, Bobete (Chauke 70’), Mbulu (Ndlovu 41’)