Chippa United finally snapped their five-match winless streak in the Betway Premiership as they defeated Polokwane City 2-0 at the Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday evening.
The first half was not an eventful one as both sides battled to find the opener. Polokwane City managed to get a shot on target at the stroke of halftime, and Chippa had none, telling the story of a half that was mostly played in the middle of the park.
Chippa Utd are keeping tabs on the top eight ⚽🌶️
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 15, 2025
They claim all three points at Buffalo City Stadium 🙌#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/xQdxHt2R4S
The second stanza yielded more entertainment as the Chilli Boys opened the scoring in the 49th minute through Azola Ntsabo’s bouncing free-kick which successfully beat City goalkeeper Brian Bwire.
There was a bit of confusion between the linesman and the referee who seemed to question the validity of the goal. However, it was decided that the goal would stand after the match officials consulted each other and agreed it was a legitimate strike.
As the match neared its end, Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali began using time-wasting tactics to run down the clock, but was penalised as the referee awarded Rise and Shine a free-kick inside the home team’s box.
As the kick was taken, Oswin Appollis’ shot was on target but saved by Nwabali. The follow-up attempt from Ndamulelo Maphangule was unsuccessful. The subsequent goal kick from Nwabali would be the catalyst for Chippa putting the final nail in the coffin.
The keeper’s kick was far too difficult for the away team’s defence to deal with, and Nikani’s effort to head it away from danger made it into Bwire’s net in the 86th minute. An own goal was given and the Chilli Boys celebrated with Nwabali in jubilation.
The match ended with Chippa collecting all three points and Thabo September’s side grabbed a crucial victory at home after a string of unconvincing results in the Betway Premiership.
Chippa United: (1) 2 (Ntsabo 49’, Bwire 86’)
Polokwane City: (0) 0
Chippa United: S. Nwabali, B. Madingwane, T. Makhele, J. Chabalala, A. Ntsabo, C. Martin (A. Teto 88’), S. Kammies, A. Magqwaka (S. Ndlovu 76’), G. Phildander, S. Kwayiba, B. Eva Nga (P. Tyongwana 76’)
Polokwane City: B. Bwire, L. Ndlovu, L. Nkaki, B. Nikani, S. Makhubela, N. Maphangule, M. Kambala, P. Appollis, T. Letshedi (N. Raphadu 73’), S. Ramabu, B. Dlamini