SuperSport United claimed a third successive Absa Premiership win when they defeated Chippa United 2-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.

Matsatsantsa’s victory was secured by goals from Teboho Mokoena and Evans Rusike, while the Chilli Boys – who had their first outing under new coach Eric Tinkler – suffered a third loss from their opening four league games.

The first chance of the match went the way of Chippa, who opened up some space in SuperSport’s defence to allow Kurt Lentjies an effort on target in the 12th minute, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced an exceptional save.

SuperSport almost claimed the advantage just a minute later, as James Keene put a header narrowly wide, but just after the quarter hour mark they went ahead through Teboho Mokoena, who slotted a shot beyond the reach of Daniel Akpeyi to make it 1-0.

Chippa responded strongly to going behind and they pulled level at 1-1 in the 26th minute, with Lentjies getting the better of Williams to put his team back in the fight.

The match looked set to be all-square heading into halftime, but on 41 minutes Matsatsantsa reclaimed the ascendancy. Evans Rusike turned his defender and scored on the rebound to ensure the hosts were 2-1 up at the break.

Chippa made a switch at the start of the second half when they introduced Boikanyo Komane in place of Jabulani Shongwe in midfield, but it was SuperSport who continued to control the game.

The Tshwane side looked for a third goal to put daylight between themselves and their opponents, and Aubrey Modiba drew a fine save out of Akpeyi in the 76th minute, before Dean Furman struck an effort over the crossbar.

SuperSport will be back in action this coming weekend when they face Kaizer Chiefs in the return leg of their MTN8 semifinal, while Chippa will wait until September 15 for their next league game, which is at home to Baroka FC.

SuperSport United (2) 2 (Mokoena 16’, Rusike 41’)