Chippa United ended their seven-game winless run in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon after a narrow 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Chippa made four changes from their 1-1 draw with Royal AM, as Matome Mathiane, Ayabulela Kanqobe, Siphelele Luthuli and Ronaldo Maarman were all recalled. Maritzburg, on the other hand, made only two changes following their narrow win over Golden Arrows, as Brandon Theron and Genino Palace were brought back.
FT | Maritzburg United FC 1️⃣-0️⃣ Chippa United FC
10 man Blue Army fought bravely for all 3 points.
65′ Buthelezi DstvDiskiChallenge WeAreUnited teamofchoice⚪️ pic.twitter.com/0MPiwvNrgX
— Maritzburg United FC – Youth Development (@MaritzburgUtdDC) January 29, 2023
The Chilli Boys had a bright start as Luthuli had an early chance to give them the lead but was twice denied by goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner in quick succession. Rowan Human had a good opportunity for the visitors on 22 minutes after he beat his marker to have a sight at goal but his shot was repelled by shot-stopper Lloyd Kazapua.
After a frantic start, the sides slowed things up towards the interval, resorting to long balls and crosses, which did not yield clear chances and improvements were needed in the second stanza.
Chippa were forceful coming from the break, as they pressurized Maritzburg and Etiosa Ighodaro eventually broke the deadlock shortly before the hour-mark with a strike from a difficult angle.
In response, Fadlu Davids made an attacking and tactical change six minutes later, as Jose Ali Meza replaced Wayde Jooste. Meza had an impact for Maritzburg as he had a chance 13 minutes before time after receiving a cross in a good position in the box but his shot was saved by Kazapua.
The Team of Choice brought the fresh legs in attack just after that as Siboniso Conco replaced Amadou Soukouna, however, despite threatening, Chippa kept things tight at the back and held on to a narrow win.
