Chippa United registered a third straight win in the Absa Premiership when they defeated AmaZulu 1-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday night.

Mpho Mvelase scored the only goal of the match late in the first half and the Chilli Boys were able to keep another clean sheet to secure all three points.

The visitors threatened from the onset and in the second minute Ugonna Uzochukwu managed to get his effort on target, but Aubrey Mathibe responded well to push the ball wide of goal.

The hosts had their first clear opportunity in the 13th minute with Tshepo Liphoko picking out Bornwell Mwape, but the Zambian striker was denied by the crossbar.

Mathibe was called into action once again on the half-hour mark, this time coming off his line to block a shot from George Akpabio with his legs.

The Chilli Boys did eventually break the deadlock four minutes later as Mvelase collected a pass from Akpabio before placing the ball past Mathibe.

Usuthu tried to find the equalizer before the break but Mwape shot over the crossbar in the 35th minute, while James Okwuosa did well to clear the danger in the 40th minute after Mbongeni Mzimela had missed a cross from Ayanda Dlamini.

AmaZulu caretaker coach Wilfred Mugeyi made changes early in the second half with Nkosinathi Mthiyane and Nhlanhla Shabalala replacing Larry Horaeb and Philani Shange and it allowed his side to add more number going forward.

Goodman Dlamini had the first opportunity after the restart as his effort flew over the crossbar in the 47th minute, while Sifiso Hlanti also failed to keep his effort down in the 55th minute.

Mthiyane also had a sight of goal in the 66th minute and the substitute managed to get his shot on target but Mzimela was able to hold on comfortably.

Usuthu were then awarded a freekick just outside the box in the 71st minute when Goodman Dlamini was brought down by Thamsanqa Sangweni but Mwape curled his effort just wide of goal.

The Chilli Boys came close to extending their lead in the 85th minute as substitute Dumisani Zwane broke forward, only to see his shot crashing against the side-netting.

However, the visitors were able to hold on to their lead to move up to fifth place with 13 points from eight matches, while AmaZulu remain at the foot of the table with three points.

AmaZulu 0

Chippa United (1) (Mvelase 34’)

Teams:

AmaZulu: Mathibe, Horaeb (Shabalala 46’), Hlanti, Mwedihanga, Johannes, Madondo, Dlamini G, Dlamini A, Shange (Mthiyane 46’), Liphoko (Ndulula 62’), Mwape

Chippa United: Mzimela, Mvelase, Zulu S, Okwuosa, Sambu (Nene 62’), Sangweni, Uzochukwu (Moholo 75’), Komane, Zulu D, Twala (Zwane 69’), Akpabio