On Tuesday night, Chippa United advanced to the Nedbank Cup round of 16
after a penalty shootout victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter
Mokaba Stadium. The Chilli Boys were able to overcome a nervy start and a
first-half goal from Francis Baloyi to draw level in the 11th minute,
courtesy of an own goal from Bulelani Nikani.
The second half saw chances for both sides, with Polokwane’s Mokibelo
Ramabu and Khomotjo Lekoloane missing good opportunities, while Etiosa
Ighodaro saw his effort parried away by goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga. Duncan
Lechesa’s troops absorbed the pressure and looked for chances on
transitions as Puleng Marema nearly gave his side the lead with 20 minutes
left after unleashing a first-time shot at the near post that was tipped
over the crossbar by Stanley Nwabali.
HT | Update
Polokwane City 1-1 Chippa United #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/7CvkhOWwRp
— Nathi Kubyane (@Nathaniels15) February 14, 2023
City gained more confidence in the closing stages as they put Chippa
under pressure, with Marema going close to snatching the winner seven
minutes before time with a dipping free-kick from the edge of the box that
was acrobatically parried away by Nwabali, sending the clash to
extra-time.
The extra periods saw both sides make tactical changes as former Kaizer
Chiefs midfielder Lucky Baloyi was handed his debut for City while Chippa
brought on Andile Mbenyane for Ronaldo Maarman.
The game only came to life in the second period of extra-time as Marema
was denied once more by Nwabali and at the other end Sapunga kept out a
goal-bound header by Elmo Kambindu from a cross by Siphesihle Mkhize.
The penalty shootout was required to settle the tie, as Chippa triumphed
3-1 with Mbenyane netting the winner after Nwabali saved two spot-kicks
for the Chilli Boys. Chippa United will now face Cape Town City in the
Nedbank Cup round of 16.
