Chippa United and Mamelodi Sundowns had to share the spoils in a thrilling Premier Soccer League game of two halves at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, East London, last night.
Even though the game ended 1-1, both sides had their fair share of chances.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made seven changes to the team that did duty against Orlando Pirates at the weekend with some of the star players like African based Caf player of the year Dennis Onyango and captain Hlompho Kekana rested.
Chippa started the brightest with the ever impressive Sandile Zuke, captain Thamsanqa Sangweni and Buyani Sali controlling the congested midfield well in the opening exchanges in the high-paced encounter.
But Sundowns showed their class when they broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 28th minute and captain of the day Wayne Arendse met a well taken Teko Modise free kick to calm slot the ball passed diving Daniel Akpeyi.
Sundowns could have doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after Chippa central defender Justice Chabalala committed a foul close to his box but Arendse failed to connect with the free kick.
From the resultant goal kick, Chippa launched an attack which resulted in Sali being fouled in the box.
Referee Victor Gomes, who was not far from the action, did not hesitate and pointed to the spot.
Rhulani Manzini stepped up and sent Wayne Sandilands the wrong way to level matters.
Soccer fans who flocked to the stadium despite the rainy weather were treated to superb action as both sets of players went all out in the end-to-end action packed game.
In the second half, Modise failed to restore Sundowns’ lead when he found himself unmarked in the box in the 45th minute but squandered the golden opportunity with his shot sailing over the bar.
Both sides missed some good chances in the second half with the Brazilians playing balls behind the Chilli Boys back four more often.
Akpeyi was the busiest of the two goalkeepers in the second stanza as the defending champions attacked relentlessly but Chippa defended well.
After a good passage of play, striker Leonardo Casto could have wrapped up the game in the 78th minute but directed his weak shot straight at the Chippa keeper.
Chippa substitute Linda Shiba almost made an immediate impact minutes after coming on in the 83rd minute for Manzini but shot wide.
Shiba almost made up for his mistake when he forced a save out of Sandilands within the dying minutes of the game.
Before that, Chippa coach Dan “Dance” Malesela and the entire bench were on their feet appealing for a penalty after the ball hit a Downs player’s hand but Gomes waved play on.
The game lived up to its billing as both sides came out guns blazing, playing attractive carpet football throughout the 90 minutes.
Chippa dominated in the first half while the second stanza belonged to the Chloorkopteam.
Malesela is on record saying his charges needed to turn their good form into results – something they failed to do against Downs.
Chilli Boys hold African giants Downs to a draw
Even though the game ended 1-1, both sides had their fair share of chances.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made seven changes to the team that did duty against Orlando Pirates at the weekend with some of the star players like African based Caf player of the year Dennis Onyango and captain Hlompho Kekana rested.
Chippa started the brightest with the ever impressive Sandile Zuke, captain Thamsanqa Sangweni and Buyani Sali controlling the congested midfield well in the opening exchanges in the high-paced encounter.
But Sundowns showed their class when they broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 28th minute and captain of the day Wayne Arendse met a well taken Teko Modise free kick to calm slot the ball passed diving Daniel Akpeyi.
Sundowns could have doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after Chippa central defender Justice Chabalala committed a foul close to his box but Arendse failed to connect with the free kick.
From the resultant goal kick, Chippa launched an attack which resulted in Sali being fouled in the box.
Referee Victor Gomes, who was not far from the action, did not hesitate and pointed to the spot.
Rhulani Manzini stepped up and sent Wayne Sandilands the wrong way to level matters.
Soccer fans who flocked to the stadium despite the rainy weather were treated to superb action as both sets of players went all out in the end-to-end action packed game.
In the second half, Modise failed to restore Sundowns’ lead when he found himself unmarked in the box in the 45th minute but squandered the golden opportunity with his shot sailing over the bar.
Both sides missed some good chances in the second half with the Brazilians playing balls behind the Chilli Boys back four more often.
Akpeyi was the busiest of the two goalkeepers in the second stanza as the defending champions attacked relentlessly but Chippa defended well.
After a good passage of play, striker Leonardo Casto could have wrapped up the game in the 78th minute but directed his weak shot straight at the Chippa keeper.
Chippa substitute Linda Shiba almost made an immediate impact minutes after coming on in the 83rd minute for Manzini but shot wide.
Shiba almost made up for his mistake when he forced a save out of Sandilands within the dying minutes of the game.
Before that, Chippa coach Dan “Dance” Malesela and the entire bench were on their feet appealing for a penalty after the ball hit a Downs player’s hand but Gomes waved play on.
The game lived up to its billing as both sides came out guns blazing, playing attractive carpet football throughout the 90 minutes.
Chippa dominated in the first half while the second stanza belonged to the Chloorkopteam.
Malesela is on record saying his charges needed to turn their good form into results – something they failed to do against Downs.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos