There was some late controversy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, as Chippa United salvaged a point against AmaZulu on Saturday evening.
Nigerian striker Augustine and Tshepang Moremi were recalled from Usuthu's goalless draw with Orlando Pirates, whilst Augustine Mulenga lined-up at the other end against his former side.
The visiting team were keen to get stuck in from the get go and watched Riaan Hanamub whizzle beyond target from a powerful free-kick.
Usuthu did go ahead before the half-hour mark when captain Mbongeni Gumede latched on the end of curling delivery from a corner-kick and found the net.
Moremi missed a golden chance to double the lead with a loose ball and gaping net amongst others though after finding possession – snapped well wide with the goalkeeper non-existent.
With the Chilli Boys on the back-foot, AmaZulu had to make a change a little to halftime as Ramahlwe Mphahlele was stretchered off and had Sibusiso Mabiliso come on.
The Chilli Boys went down to ten-men five minutes in the second half after a lash out at Ethan Brooks by Thabiso Lebitso forced the man in the middle to brand out a straight red card.
AmaZulu looked to take full advantage of their numerical superiority, but struggled to carve out openings despite the bright spell of play in possession.
The man short didn't unsettle Chippa who levelled later on when goalkeeper Veli Mothwa rolled the ball into his own net from a bit of pressure by Elmo Kambindu as the referee over-ruled his assistant referee to award the strike which was initially ruled out for a foul.
Chippa nearly stole the points in the latter stages with a smart attempt by Roscoe Pietersen, but Mothwa was on guard.
However, the Chilli Boys finished the game with nine men as Kambindu got his marching orders for a second bookable offence in second-half stoppage time, as the encounter ended all square.
Confirmed line-ups:
Chippa United: Nwabali, Pietersen, Modise, Mulenga, Lebitso, Chabalala, Mqokozo, Ndunyelwa, Luthuli, Kambindu, Mosele
Subs: Kazapua, Kammies, Maarman, Makhele, Mbenyane, Martin, Poggenpoel, Ndwandwe, Nkwanyana
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Jooste, Hanamub, Sikhakhane, Mphahlele, Gumede, Motshwari, Brooks, Kwem, Ngema, Moremi
Subs: Mzimela, Mabiliso, Malepe, Hlangabeza, Maluleka, Human, Ekstein, Mbanjwa, Letsoalo
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!