Durban City struck a late winner to defeat Chippa United 1-0 in their Betway Premiership match at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening.
City, looking to build on their opening win over TS Galaxy this past weekend, looked set to be frustrated, but an 88th minute goal by Joslin Kamatuka saw them record back-to-back wins at the start of the season to sit level with Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United at the top of the log.
As for the Chilli Boys, who held reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 in their opener, their defensive resilience was impressive, but they will need to offer more in attack if they are to have a successful campaign.
Durban City dominated the first half and were particularly dangerous in the opening quarter hour, with Haashim Domingo just a few inches away from giving the hosts a lead in the 13th minute, as he whipped a shot goal-wards from Bokang Mokwena’s pass, but saw his effort rebound off the upright.
Chippa were able to get more of a foothold in the game from about the midway point of the first half onwards, though it was more by asserting their physicality and tactically fouling City players to prevent the home team from building up an attacking rhythm.
The visitors’ tactics saw them to the interval still level at 0-0, though they had offered virtually nothing in attack.
The game remained scrappy and disjointed in the second half, with the hosts looking the likelier scorers, though they generally lacked the cohesion and penetration necessary to trouble a Chilli Boys defence which was happy to sit deep.
One of the few promising moments arrived in the 80th minute when Domingo briefly had another sight of goal, but by the time he pulled the trigger to shoot, several Chippa defenders had got themselves between the ball and the goal posts.
The match looked set for a stalemate, but in the 88th minute Jean Lwamba played in a superb low cross from the left flank and substitute Joslin Kamatuka provided a crisp finish at the near post to seal a hard-earned but deserved win for Durban City.
The teams will return to Premiership action next midweek, with Chippa at home to TS Galaxy and City hosting local rivals Golden Arrows.
Durban City (0) 1 (Kamatuka 88’)
Chippa United 0
CITY: Keet, De Kock, Domingo (Gcaba 90+3’), Jodwana, Jurgens, Lubumba, Maphate, Maseko (Magawana 64’), Mkhize, Mokwena (Kamatuka 64’), Ncanana
CHIPPA: Nwabali, Bonani (Dlamini 61’), Kammies, Konqobe, Matrose, (Mashele 77’) Mfecane (Philander 77’), Modise, Mosele, Ndlovu, Seabi, Sithole (Ramotsei 90’)