Amakhosi sink Chippa
Fourth stalemate for Mthatha Bucks
which lasted eight has come to an end.
There was confidence within the Chippa camp that they could pull off another big win especially considering their most recent victories over former African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and defending PSL champions Bidvest Wits.
But it was not to be as the Glamour Boys turned on the charm to produce a matchwinning performance after absorbing some early pressure from the home team.
Chiefs gave the home side an early scare, in the fourth minute, when they found the Chippa net only for Parker to be ruled offside.
Chippa then controlled the next 20 minutes or so and had a number of chances to take the lead.
The first came in the sixth minute, but Mpho Mvelase could only manage a tame shot with only ’keeper Itumeleng Khune to beat.
Two minutes later Andile Mbenyane had probably their best chance of the half.
Khune clashed with his defender Eric Mathoho and the ball fell favourably for Mbenyane, who somehow managed to shoot wide of a matches, gaping goalmouth.
Mathoho was on hand to save Chiefs in the 20th minute when he blocked an on-target shot from Paseka Mako.
Chippa had nothing to show for those early chances and were made to pay when defender James Okwuosa was ruled to have fouled Joseph Malongoane in the goal area, to concede a penalty. Parker made no mistake with the spot kick, sending Daniel Akpeyi the wrong way. The goal came against the run of play but from there Chiefs started to take control.
Chiefs had the ball in the net again seven minutes later when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s free kick found William Katsande’s head but the goal was disallowed.
Chippa introduced the inform Samuel Julies from the bench in the 50th minute and then Kurt Lentjies five minutes later in a bid to get back in the game. Julies was coming off three goals in his last two games but has been used sparingly by Moloi because of lack of fitness.
Chippa enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession in the second half but struggled to break down a determined Chiefs outfit. facing since the first round.
“We are not killing off games early and that puts us under a lot of pressure when the game continues – as you’ll know, our opponents gain confidence and then we play in panic mode. That’s exactly what happened during that game,” said Mapompo.
He said the fact that Eagles had lost two games in a row also made them more lethal – and they were not prepared to give up without putting up a proper fight.
“The Eagles came here for a draw. From the first minute we saw them sitting back, waiting for a counterattack.
“Even though we were prepared for them as we know their style of play, they made sure they closed ranks after they scored.
“At gym last week, we practised playing in tight spaces because we knew they would play defensive, especially if they scored. Within a few minutes, we got a chance to score when Mpho Erasmus got a cross from Augustine Leonard, but he sent the header straight to the ’keeper.”
Mapompo said they created more chances as the game progressed and he said they were relieved when they managed to put one in the first few minutes of the second half.
“I don’t know what’s going on with our players because when we are a goal up, they tend to relax. We’ve been speaking to them to try and get them to stop this.
“Because if you remember when we played Cape Town All Stars, they did the same thing. They scored and then lost their concentration as they were trying to play for the fans – that’s when All Stars managed to get an equaliser. But then we got another goal and won 2-1.
The Bucks mentor said they kept reminding the players that 1-0 was a dangerous score and they need to focus on getting more goals.
“We are working every day on defensive organisation. But it looks like we have a problem because we conceded towards the last few minutes of the game.
“We have even introduced Mashale Rantabane just to consolidate the team because we knew Eagles would push for a draw.”