Chippa, Arrows play to goalless stalemate

Chippa United and Golden Arrows played to a 0-0 draw in an Absa Premiership clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Arrows subsequently become the first team this season to play to 10 draws, with Chippa taking their stalemate tally to nine in 18 games on a frustrating afternoon for both set of coaches.

The first shot in anger fell to Mxolisi Macuphu in the eighth minute following a mistake from Mzwandile Buthelezi in the Arrows defence. Nkosingiphile Gumede, though, was on hand to spare his teammates blushes.

Gumede was up to the task once more in the 28th minute to keep out Thabo Rakhale's stinging effort, as the Chilli Boys pushed forward in search of the game's opener.

Arrows finally conjured a chance with 37 minutes on the clock and were unlucky not to take the lead as Danny Venter's shot rattled the woodwork from an acute angle.

Neither side were able to find the back of the net before the break in what was largely a stop-start encounter in the Eastern Cape province.

Clear-cut chances were few and for between in the second stanza despite intent from both teams to alter the scoreboard.

Zaphania Mbokoma threatened to breath life into the match following a weaving run into the area, but his resulting shot in the 73rd minute whistled inches wide.

Venter was the main protagonist throughout the clash for the visitors and Daniel Akpeyi had be watchful in the 87th minute to keep out the midfielder's free-kick.

The Nigeria international with a good save as he tipped Venter's dipping shot from finding the back of the net.

Chippa pressed forward in search of the winner in the closing minutes of the clash, but a goal would not be forthcoming as the two teams settled for a point apiece.

Next up for Abafana Bes’thende is a home showdown against Baroka FC at the Princes Magogo Stadium in a week's time. As for the Chilli Boys, they travel to the KwaZulu-Natal province for a clash against Maritzburg United this Friday.

Chippa United (0) 0

Golden Arrows (0) 0

Teams:

Chippa United: Akpeyi; Modisane, Mako, Macheke, Okwuosa, Mabaso, Mntambo, Lentjies, Macuphu, Rakhale (Sali 68'), Mashego (Mbokoma 23').

Golden Arrows: Gumede; Nonyane, Buthelezi, Mngwenge, Mzava - Zuke, Bilankulu (Shongwe 58') - Ndwandwe (Magubane 58'), Venter, Mahachi (Molefe 85') - Mutizwa.