Chippa United (2) 2
(Eva Nga 21’, Kwayiba 32’)

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0

Buffalo City stadium, East London

Amakhosi suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chippa United in front of a sell-out crowd on a gloomy day in East London on Saturday, to bring an end to a dark week for the Club following the tragic passing of Luke Fluers a few days ago.

First half goals from Bienvenu Eva Nga and Sinoxolo Kwayiba were enough to secure the three DStv Premiership points for the Chilli Boys. The match was played in difficult conditions on a pitch heavy from the rain that fell throughout the day, and cutting up badly, making flowing football virtually impossible.

Amakhosi began the match at a high tempo and had Chippa on the retreat from the word go. Within the opening five minutes, they had already had four efforts on goal, twice through Edmilson Dove, as well as Dillon Solomons and Ranga Chivaviro, although none of them found the target.

In the 19^th minute, Christian Saile produced a burst of pace that left the Chippa defence in his wake before cutting the ball back for Chivaviro, who was beaten to the ball by debutant goalkeeper Darren Johnson.

The Chilli Boys took the lead totally against the run of play in the 21^st minute. Skipper Justice Chabalala flicked on a long throw from the right and burly Cameroonian striker, Eva Nga, rose to head powerfully past Bruce Bvuma.

The goal stunned Chiefs and they were fortunate not to go two down after 29 minutes when Sinoxolo Kwayiba slipped through the defence and only alert goalkeeping from Bvuma, who shot speedily off his line to block the striker’s effort, kept the ball out of the net.

Amakhosi were not as fortunate three minutes later, as a neat passing interchange between Kwayibal, Eva Nga and Ayabulela Konqobe fashioned an opening for Kwayiba to rifle an unstoppables shot pat Bvuma to make it 2-0.

The Glamour Boys rallied and finished the half strongly, and Solomons went close in the 39^th minute. However, the score remained 2-0 as they went into the break.

With the rain getting heavier as the second half got under way, Amakhosi battled to play their way back into contention. Chivaviro went on a good run in the 53^rd minute but, as has been the team’s Achilles Heel all season, the finish lacked precision and flew wide of goal. Solomons, too, skied a free kick from a dangerous position, as did substitute, Wandile Duba, after holding off his marker and turning neatly inside the box.

Amakhosi’s two best chances came late on, first on 63 minutes when Mduduzi Mdantsane sent Chivaviro free on the left wing. He played it square into the path of the onrushing Saile whose goalbound shot was superbly saved by Johnson. The young keeper kept Chiefs at bay eight minutes later, pulling off an excellent reflex save to deny another sub, Siyethembe Sithebe’s rasping drive that was heading for the top corner.

The remainder of the match was marred by the uncooperative weather, as the incessant precipitation began to produce puddles across the pitch, and credit must go the amazing Amakhosi supporters who remained until the end despite the heavens pouring down on them. It illustrates the unbreakable bond that only exists between this Club and its support base, everywhere.

Amakhosi stay in 8^th place in the DStv Premiership on 30 points from 23 matches, With Chippa now only a point behind. They will need to make sure they come away with points on their next outing, away to Richards Bay on Saturday, 20 April.

Line-ups:

Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma (44), Msimango (25), Dove (2), Nj Ngcobo (27) (Frosler (39) 64’), Solomons (18), Maart (6), Castillo (17) (Mashiane (19) 89’), Mdantsane (3) (Sithebe (6) 64’), Mmodi (13) (Du Preez (9) 64’), Basomboli Saile (21), Chivaviro (7) (Duba (36) 80’)

Subs not used: Petersen (1); Kwinika (4), Mthethwa (5), Shabalala (42)

Coach: Cavin Johnson

Chippa United: Johnson (31); Kammies (25), Majogoro (19), Modise (27), Makhele (4), Mosele (20), Chabalala © (33), Kwayiba (14), Martin (30) (Francis (26) 73’), Konqobe (24) (Pietersen (5) 73’), Eva Nga (41) (Mgokozo (12) 88’)

Subs not used: July (16); Luthuli (13), Mahlatsi (35), Ndwandwe (17), Memela (10), Hlapho (29)

Coach: Kwanele Kopo