Chippa pick up first away win

Chippa United claimed their first away win of the 2020-21 DStv Premiership season when they edged TS Galaxy 1-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

An early goal from Frederic Nsabiyumva saw the Chilli Boys claim a first three-pointer on the road this term, with the result putting them a point clear of the relegation playoff berth – that position is now held by the Rockets after a ninth successive winless game.

Chippa got off to a flying start and claimed the lead as early as the fifth minute: Peter Maloisane provided a perfect corner kick delivery from the left flank and picked out defender Frederic Nsabiyumva, who powered a header beyond goalkeeper Wensten van der Linde to make it 1-0.

The Chilli Boys threatened again 10 minutes later when Peter Maloisane laid on for Andile Mbenyane, but the long-serving Chippa attacker struck his effort wide of the target, before Galaxy had their first chances.

The hosts saw Wayde Lekay dance past a defender before firing an effort over the crossbar on 18 minutes, while the midway point of the first half saw Bevan Fransman get on the end of a corner kick but fail to trouble Chippa goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali.

Around the half-hour mark Bienvenu Eva Nga almost added to Chippa’s advantage, but saw his effort denied by van der Linde, before the Rockets went up the other end almost levelled the game: Lekay headed just wide of the mark after meeting a fine cross from Luckyboy Mokoena.

The teams traded further chances in what remained of the first half, but the interval arrived with Chippa still 1-0 ahead. Galaxy had the first chance of the second stanza, but Mlungisi Mbunjana’s long-range attempt to catch Mtshali off his line sailed wide on 53 minutes.

Galaxy and Chippa cancelled each other out for most of the second half. The Chilli Boys were happy to sit a little deeper and look to capitalise on the counter attack, especially after bringing Anthony Laffor off the bench, while the Rockets bossed the ball but were unable to carve out many chances.

Even the introductions of Swazi attacker Felix Badenhorst and veteran schemer Reneilwe Letsholonyane were not enough for the Rockets to bring themselves back into the game, with Chippa able to hold out and claim three very welcome away points.

The teams will return to DStv Premiership action on Wednesday 20 January, with Galaxy visiting Maritzburg United and Chippa travelling to Swallows FC.

TS Galaxy 0

Chippa United (1) 1 (Nsabiyumva 5’)

TEAMS:

TS Galaxy:Van der Linde, Modisane, Fransman, Mahlangu, Mokoena, Mbunjana (Badenhorst 81’), Aubaas, Nyama (Mahlangu 74’), Mbatha (Letsholonyane 81’), Lekay (Bevan 66’), Machupu

Chippa United:Mtshali, Mobbie, Nhlapo, Nsabiyumva, Hanamub, Rae, Mdlinzo, P. Maloisane (Dinge 80’), M. Maloisane, Mbenyane (Mthethwa 80’), Eva Nga (Laffor 55’)