Chippa United held an in-form Golden Arrows to a 0-0 draw in a 2020-21 DStv Premiership match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday.
While it wasn’t the result the Chilli Boys desired, the draw did move them within a point of 14th-placed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, although they have played two games more than their relegation rivals. Arrows missed out on a chance to move back up to second, but remain in third and now five points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Arrows started the game on the front foot and conjured the first chance of the match in the second minute as Knox Mutizwa found an unmarked Velemseni Ndwandwe, but the midfielder failed to hit the target from close range.
Chippa’s first noteworthy attempt at goal came in the 32nd minute as Kurt Lentjie found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the impressive Sifiso Mlungwana made a top save.
Mlungwana was at it again for Abafana Bes’thende six minutes after the half-time break. Frederic Nsabiyumva’s header from a corner-kick looked destined for the corner of the net, but the Arrows shot-stopper denied the towering defender with another superb save.
At the other end of the park, Mutizwa and Ndwandwe combined once more moments later but the latter had his goal-bound attempt cleared off the line.
Arrows had a further chance to grab all three points when Gladwin Shitolo took aim at goal in the 83rd minute, but Rashid Watenga denied the midfielder as the two teams ultimately settled for a point apiece.
Both Chippa and Arrows will be in action on Wednesday. Abafana Bes’thende next take aim at Sundowns in the South African capital while Chippa are away to Kaizer Chiefs.
TEAMS
Chippa United: Watenga; Hanamub, Nsabiyumva, Mthethwa, Mobbie, Phewa (Mdlinzo 78′), Sibeko (Manyisa 70′), Lebitso, Mokhele, Lentjies, Kwem (Eva Nga 78′).
Golden Arrows: Mlungwana; Nkombelo (Sabelo 58′), Zuke, Mathiane, Dube, Shitolo, Parusnath, Sibiya (Mtshali 58′), Mmodi, Ndwandwe (Conco 83′), Mutizwa.© Backpage TXT.
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
