Chippa's Martin denies Stellenbosch win

Stellenbosch FC let a lead slip in their 1-1 draw against Chippa United in a DStv Premiership match played at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday night.

The result saw Stellies remain fourth on the league standings - three points behind second-placed Cape Town City. Coach Steve Barker's side will now lock horns with Cape Town City in a Cape derby encounter on 5 March.

Chippa, on the other hand, also remained 12th on the league standings - seven points above the relegation zone. The Eastern Cape side will be targeting nothing but a win when they play host to Richards Bay on 6 March.

The Chilli Boys used wing play from the start with a lot of balls being delivered into Stelllies' box. Goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke produced a magnificent save to deny Craig Martin from close range in the 41st minute with the hosts' defence exposed.

However, the goal sparked the home side into life as they broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with Antonio van Wyk scoring with a low shot. Chippa had a chance to level matters in first-half stoppage time, but Masuluke pulled off a sensational save to deny Justice Chabalala, and the score was 1-0 to Stellenbosch at halftime.

The Chilli Boys pushed for the equalising goal after the restart - applying pressure on the hosts' defence. Stellies were reduced to 10 players in the 49th minute when Ismael Toure was shown a red card after receiving his second yellow card of the match.

Co-head coaches Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo reacted by introducing Bienvenu Eva Nga in the 66th minute. The former Orlando Pirates striker made an impact as he set up Martin who scored from close range in the 68th minute - ensuring that the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Stellenbosch (1) 1 (Van Wyk 42')

Chippa United (0) 1 (Martin 68')

Stellenbosch: Masuluke, Van Rooyen, Toure, Moloisane, Basadien (Mgaga 90'+2), Nduli, Adams (Boji 90'+2), De Jong (Mcaba 52'), Van Wyk (Sibande 64'), Titus, Rayners (Oura 64').

Chippa United: Nwabali, Kammies, Chabalala, Makhele, Modise, Mosele, Majogoro (Maarman 56'), Mahlatsi (Eva Nga 66'), Luthuli, Martin (Memela 84'), Kambindu