Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali pulled off a dramatic injury time penalty save to prevent his side from leaving the Peter Mokaba Stadium empty handed this weekend, as Sekhukhune United and the Chilli Boys shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the DStv Premiership on Saturday evening.
It was an open affair during the early stages of the match, as both Sekhukhune and Chippa battled for possession of the ball in the middle of the park.
As the dust settled, so did Babina Noko, as the home team held more of the ball toward the 10th minute mark. Sekhukhune looked dangerous from set-piece opportunities and caused problems high up the pitch.
The Chilli Boys looked for counter attacking opportunities during the first 15 minutes, which was stuffed by the Sekhukhune backline.
Sekhukhune United caught the Chippa United defence napping in the 25th minute and subsequently took the lead courtesy of a swift transitional attack. In collecting the ball on their left-hand flank, Roderick Kabwe swung in a ball that was met by Chibuike Ohizu, as the striker guided the ball into the back of the net with an accurate header.
Chippa responded three minutes later with a well-worked move inside the Babina Noko half as Etiosa Ighodaro got his name on the scoresheet. In making way down the Chippa right wing, Meshack Mphangule picked out the striker inside the danger area, who tucked the ball away with ease. The Chilli Boys enjoyed a spell of positive momentum after the equaliser and stroked the ball around with confidence.
With all to play for in the second-half, the referee called time on the first 45 as Sekhukhune and Chippa went into the break with a goal apiece.
As the two sides looked to settle in the first 10 minutes of the subsequent half, it was the Gqeberha outfit that created the most notable goal scoring opportunity. The Chilli Boys made use of the direct ball into the penalty box, which was dealt with by Sekhukhune.
The game slowed down toward the hour mark as both teams struggled to create clear goal scoring chances. However, Sekhukhune held most of the ball during this time and took the cautious approach in their build-up play. Chippa pressed high up the pitch and often troubled Sekhukhune in situations where the ball was turned over.
Sekhukhune increased their sense of urgency toward the end of the game and dominated on the ball with five minutes to go. In making attack minded substitutions, the hosts penned the travelling outfit back in an attempt to take the lead.
n a last ditch attempt during the dying stages of the match, Sekhukhune were awarded a penalty in the 92nd minute after the referee spotted a handball infringement inside the box. In stepping up to the spot, Roderick Kabwe’s effort was saved by Stanley Nwabali in dramatic fashion as Sekhukhune and Chippa shared the spoils at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Sekhukhune United: (1) 1 (25’ Ohizu)
Chippa United: (1) 1 (28’. Ighodaro)
Sekhukhune United:Nsabata, Ntiya-Ntiya, Gyimah, Cardoso, Mobbie, Seabi (Mosiatlhaga 73’), Mokotjo, Kabwe, Mncube (Vilakazi 73’), Ohizu, Letsoalo
Chippa United:Nwabali, Pfumbidzai, Banda, Pietersen, Mdunyelwa, Maphangule, September (Maarman 76’), Poggenpoel, Lebitso (Luthuli 76’), Mbenyane (Mathiane 45’, Ntsabo 60′), Ighodaro
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