PIETERMARITZBURG, November 29, (ANA) – Maritzburg United and Chippa United played to a 1-1 draw in their Absa Premiership contest at Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The hosts took the lead after 52 minutes when miscommunication at the back saw goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi concede soft possession to Deolin Mekoa and allow him to almost walk the ball into the goal.
But Chippa were level 15 minutes from time when a supreme looping header from Thembinkosi Lorch gave them a deserved equaliser that left the host still searching for a first home win.
Chippa enjoyed the bulk of possession in the first half, but it was the host, playing their first match since Ernst Middendorp quit the club last week, that had the better chances.
After Marc van Heerden and Katlego Mashego had half-chances that went off target early on, Maritzburg’s German import Denis Weidlich produces a moment of magic in the 18th minute when he as he drove a 20-yard shot that forced Akpeyi to palm away.
At the other end, it took a splendid last-ditch Brian Onyango challenge to prevent Lorch, from scoring after he was played through alone on the right.
Midway through the half, Evans Rusike almost produced some magic of his own as he stunning shot on the turn from outside the box again forced Akpeyi to parry away.
Mashego missed another gilt-edged chance in the 26th minute when Diamond Thopola swept over a raking cross from the right that was splendidly touched back first time by Paseka Mako into the path of the former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, who tamely shot straight at Bongani Mpandle.
And before the break, Kwanda Mngonyama threatened with a long-range strike that had power, but no precision as the sides were level at the break.
Seven minutes after the break, the hosts were ahead when poor defending opening the door for Mekoa to score.
Bongani Kama then struck the post for the men from Port Elizabeth, before Marc van Heerden’s looping cross was spectacularly headed in by Kama after 75 minutes.
Akpeyi then made two point-blank saves to keep out Mohau Mokate and Devon Saal at the death as Chippa held on. – African News Agency (ANA)
