Chippa United bagged a fourth straight win in the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday evening.
Azola Ntsabo, Etiosa Ighodaro and Ayabulela Konqobe were recalled by Chippa, whereas Sekhukhune started Siyabulela Shai and Tshegofatso Mabasa on the bench from their loss to SuperSport United.
Chippa showed the promising play in the opening five minutes before Sekhukhune launched a reply through a smart header from Pogiso Mahlangu that forced a save from Loydt Kazapua.
It was still the visitors that provided the bright chances minutes later this as forward Victor Letsoalo worked an angle and drilled over from a smart supply.
The Chilli Boys though were ahead two minutes to the half-hour mark when a defensive error in the six-yard area fell straight to Ighodaro at the far post and the Nigerian needed no second invitation.
Sekhukhune coach Kaitano Tembo looked for a turnaround before the start of the second half and put on Shai for Thamsanqa Masiya before Mabasa entered Sammy Seabi.
The host, who provided changes of their own in Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Sirgio Kammies, were on the back-foot minutes after the break and needed strong defending from in particular Trevor Mathiane.
Sekhukhune continued to venture forward in the hope of a breakthrough later on and saw Mabasa's low shot from a corner-kick deflected behind target.
Chippa's confidence in the closing exchanges grew and could've had a second goal from smart work by Elmo Kambindu, but Azola Matrose delayed the final effort and the opportunity went abegging.
There was late drama as Wonderboy Makhubu's rasping shot from the edge of the box after opening angle forced a solid stop from Kazapua. However, the Chilli Boys were able to contain the pressure from Babina Noko in the closing seconds and collected the win in the end.
Confirmed line-ups:
Chippa United: Kazapua, Mdunyelwa, Ntsabo, Pietersen, Matrose, Mkhize, Mathiane, Konqobe, Lebitso, Luthuli, Ighodaro
Subs: Myataza, Chabalala, Kammies, Maarman, Manona, Poggenpoel, Maphangule, Mduli, Kambindu
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Cardoso, Gyimah, Ntiya-Ntiya, Seabi, Mntambo, P. Mahlangu, Masiya, Mncube, Letsoalo
Subs: Nsabata, Mkhabela, Motsepe, Leepile, Shai, Mosiatlhaga, Mabasa, Morris, Makhubu
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