PORT ELIZABETH, May 11 (ANA) – Chippa United defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 in an Absa Premiership fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday night, after leading 1-0 at halftime.
In an exciting opening period, play swung from end to end, though Chippa were having the better of the exchanges. The enterprising start paid off and Chippa duly took the lead in the 29th minute with a smart finish from Joseph Molongoane.
Three minutes later, Pirates had a great opportunity to level matters, but Amigo Memela was denied by a good save from Chippa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi. With Pirates gaining the upper hand, Sifiso Miyeni should have scored, especially with Akpeyi already beaten, but, somehow or other, the Bucs winger managed to squander the chance.
Two minutes into the second half, Memela was yellow carded for a silly late challenge.
In the 58th minute, Chippa made a substitution, bringing on Sandile Zuke in place of Andile Mbenyane. At the same time, Pirates withdrew Menzi Masuku and brought on Thabo Rakhale.
Chippa kept on pressing, though, and they made it 2-0 in the 61st minute when Molongoane turned provider to set up an opening for Buyani Sali to score.
Looking for some inspiration, Pirates brought on Thamsanqa Gabuza in place of Mpho Makola.
But it was Chippa who had the chance to net a third, when Molongoane created the opportunity for Rhulani Manzini, but the forward made a hash of his shot.
Pirates threw everything into the attack in the final 10 minutes, with Rakhale at the forefront of matters, but a resolute Chippa defence held firm – and the Port Elizabeth side celebrated a famous win over the popular Soweto club. – African News Agency (ANA)
