Chippa United took a big step away from the relegation zone with a vital 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday night.
Edward Manqele's sixth-minute strike was the difference between the sides on the night but in truth Chippa could and perhaps should have scored more.
Siyabulela Shai provided the assist for the goal and was a thorn in the side of the Dube Birds' defence all evening.
Chippa began the match on the front foot, but were not able to turn their advantage into a lead as both William Twala and Andile Mbeyna failed to hit the target with their early attempts.
That all changed in the 24th minute when a Dikgang Mabalane foul allowed the Chilli boys to move the ball up field and resulted in Shai putting Manqele in for the only goal of the game.
Swallows fought back after the goal but were let down with their finishing and only managed one shot on target all night.
Siyabonga Nomvethe managed to get behind the Eastern Cape side's defence in the 63rd minture, but he'd set off a fraction early and was brought back for offside.
Chippa defended their lead with determination and perhaps were a little overzealous at times, committing 16 fouls throughout the game to Swallow's five.
The result leaves the Dube Birds in trouble at the bottom of the Premiership table after AmaZulu beat Polokwane City to move out of the basement for the first time this year.
Chippa stay 13th but move 5 points clear of the relegation zone
Scorers:
Chippa United (1) 1 (Manqele 26’)
Moroka Swallows 0
Teams:
Chippa United: Mzimela, Okwuosa, Sambu, Cloete, Sangweni, Mbenyane (Komane 91’), Moholo, Chipeta, Twala, Shai (Barends 82’), Manqele (Cele 70’)
Moroka Swallows: Stephens, Mngomezulu, Isaacs, Cohen, Lekgothoane (Wana 85’); Baloyi, Phalane, Mabalane (Chabangu 81’), Nomandela (Obada 70’), Nomvethe, Hendricks
