Chippa United make perfect start in bid to remain among DStv Premiership big boys

Chippa United made the best possible start to the promotion-relegation playoffs as they clinched a 2-1 victory over Richards Bay at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

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The Chilli Boys, aiming to retain their place in the DStv Premiership, went into the half-time break with the scores locked at 0-0 following a closely fought first half.

However, they produced a much-improved performance after the break, claiming the lead after just five minutes of play.

Sandile Mthethwa bagged the all-important opener before Chippa United fans were given a scare in the 64th minute when a goal-line clearance by Kurt Lentjies was required to keep the visitors at bay.

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Chippa United goalkeeper Ismail Watenga also played a pivotal role in keeping the Chilli Boys’ lead intact, making a crucial save to deny Siyabonga Vilane what looked to be a certain goal.

Chippa’s attackers eventually got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 82nd minute, with Sizwe Mdlinzo finding the back of the net.

Richards Bay remained a threat in the final third, though, and their persistence finally paid off in the final minute of regulation time as they pulled one back to set up a tense finish to the encounter.

It proved too little, too late for the visitors, however, as Chippa held on to claim a hard-fought win.

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