PORT ELIZABETH, August 23 (ANA) – Chippa United edged out Free State Stars 2-1 in an Absa Premiership clash played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday night.
The Chilli Boys came into their first league game of the 2016/17 season seeking nothing but a victory over their visitors, Ea Lla Koto.
The home side grabbed an early lead through Rhulani Manzini, who scored with a right-footed shot in the sixth minute making it 1-0 to Chippa.
However, new Stars midfielder Charles Kampi restored parity for his side six minutes later with a great strike to make it 1-1 on the night.
The visitors nearly took the lead from a corner kick in the 22nd minute, but Chippa goalkeeper Zama Dlamini came out to punch the ball away.
Manzini restored his side’s lead with a right-footed shot, making it 2-1 to Chippa in the 32nd minute and once again Thembinkosi Lorch provided an assist.
New Chippa midfielder-cum-striker Lorch unleashed a good shot four minutes before the halftime break, but his effort missed the target.
Former Absa Premiership Golden Boot winner Moeketsi Sekola had a chance to equalise for Stars two minutes after the restart, but he was ruled offside.
In the 63rd minute, David Booysen, who was making his official Stars debut, was booked for unsporting behaviour.
The Chilli Boys were defending well at the back as Ea Lla Koto pressed them for the equalising goal.
With four minutes left on the clock, Stars defender Bokang Thlone’s attempt was cleared off the line by Chippa defender Marc Van Heerden.
Ultimately, Chippa managed to contain Stars in the dying minutes of the league encounter and won 2-1. – African News Agency (ANA)
