Chippa United returned to winning ways in the latest round of Betway Premiership fixtures following a hard-fought 2-1 win against TS Galaxy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In spite of a valiant effort by the travelling outfit, goals in either half by Bienvenu Eva Nga and Ayabulula Konqobe were enough for the Chilli Boys to bag maximum points this week.
TS Galaxy started the game on the front foot and held around 60% possession of the ball during the first 15 minutes. Dzenan Zajmovic came close to opening the scoring during this period after his headed effort was saved by Stanley Nwabali on the edge of the six-yard area.
The Rockets continued to dominate the game midway through the first-half, while Chippa often found themselves back peddling inside their own half. Zajmovic, along with Puso Dithjane, created a couple of scoring chances going forward, both of which were shots from range.
Despite playing against the cosh for much of the first half, Chippa United took the lead in the 34th minute as Eva Nga let off a right-footed shot from the right-hand side of the 18-yard-area that breached the Galaxy goal line.
Not holding back, TS Galaxy levelled matters in the 40th minute with Zajmovic adding his name to the scoresheet. The Bosnian flexed his aerial abilities throughout the first half and equalised through an accurate header from the centre of the box.
Much like in the first-half, TS Galaxy got the second 45 off on a positive note by creating a couple of goal scoring chances inside the first five minutes. Despite the Rockets domination, it was Chippa who managed to take the lead in the 54th minute, with Konqobe hitting the target from range.
With wind in their sails, Chippa United looked lively after taking the lead, while TS Galaxy began seeing less of the ball as the 75th minute approached. However, TS Galaxy remained positive going forward as the likes of Thato Khiba and Siphiwe Mahlangu produced efforts from outside the opposition box.
The game opened up during the closing stages of the 90 minutes, with both teams taking the direct approach in looking to affect the scoreline. Nevertheless, the match ended in favour of Chippa who saw out a 2-1 victory on home soil.
Chippa United: (1) 2 (Eva Nga 34’, Konqobe 54’)
TS Galaxy: (1) 1 (Zajmovic 40’)
CHIPPA UNITED: Nwabali, Malaoa, Ntsabo, Makhele, Chabalala, Teto (Sithole 78’), Konqobe (Dlala 77’), Jali, Kwayiba, Martin (Ndlovu 83’), Eva Nga (Micheal 77’)
TS GALAXY: Ciupa, Munyai, Mahlangu, Khiba, Dithejane, Kabini, Mbatha (Mahlangu 61’), Mbunjana (Mvalase 62’), Maduna (Sebelebele 46’, Radebe 71’), Zajmovic (Sibanyoni 71’), Seema