Chippa winless streak continues

Chippa United suffered yet another league defeat as Highlands Park rose to fourth place on the Absa Premiership log after a 2-0 win over the Chilli Boys at the Makhulong Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Goals from Spiwe Msimango and Tendai Ndoro secured a fourth win from their last four league matches for the Lions of the North, who are five points adrift of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

Chippa remain rock bottom of the standings after what was new coach Norman Mapeza’s first league match in charge.

Highlands looked the better team from the opening stages, claiming the lead in the 19th minute.

An over-hit corner kick was steered back into the danger zone by Tendai Ndoro and Chippa goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb was guilty of indecision, as he allowed the ball to pass between himself and a defender, giving Spiwe Msimango a tap-in.

Chippa began to gain a foothold in the game, though their attacking endeavours were restricted mainly to long-range efforts none of which were any worry for Highlands goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni.

Highlands thought they had scored a second goal late in the half when a counterattack ended with Reneilwe Letsholonyane teeing up Peter Shalulile to score from close range, but the offside flag incorrectly ruled the effort out, leaving the hosts only 1-0 up at the break.

Chippa, in an effort to turn the game around, made an attacking double substitution early in the second half, as Augustine Kwem and William Twala came off the bench to replace Lehlogonolo Masalesa and Lerato Manzini.

The duo livened up the Chilli Boys’ forward play, as did third and final substitute Kurt Lentjies, who arrived just after the hour mark.

Chippa were also hit by an incorrect offside call after Twala had struck home a low shot.

Chippa were again let down by their goalkeeper, as Tendai Ndoro scored the hosts’ second goal with a longrange volley.

The striker hit a dropping ball from well outside the box — his effort bounced awkwardly ahead of Tignyemb, but the keeper’s attempted save was sub-par.

Ndoro’s strike took the sting out of the game and allowed Highlands to keep Chippa at arm’s length with comfort.

The Lions of the North saw out the remainder of the time to secure three points and continue an impressive campaign. Highlands are back in league action on Tuesday when they welcome a stuttering Orlando Pirates to Makhulong, while Chippa will host Kaizer Chiefs in Port Elizabeth on November 6. -