Swallows stun Chippa in East London
● Depleted Chilli Boys go down 2-1 but still within reach of top eight
A late goal from Lwanda Mbanjwa left Chippa United fans stunned at the Buffalo City Stadium as Swallows claimed a 2-1 victory in the DStv Premiership yesterday.
The win ensured the Dube Birds, who came into the game within touching distance of the relegation zone, have breathing space as they moved up to 13th on the log with 29 points, with four matches left in the season.
For Chippa, the defeat means they are now in 10th place with 32 points but still within reach of the top eight.
Kaizer Chiefs are in eighth spot with 33 points.
Chippa came into the game with a depleted squad. Three key players were on the sidelines battling fitness issues in a taxing week for the Eastern Cape side, who also play Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semifinal on Saturday.
The injury list included Andile Mbenyane, Craig Martin and Goodman Mosele, who have been influential in the team’s midfield, while Justice Chabalala missed the game due to suspension.
Spurred on by a lively crowd, Chippa had a relatively good start as they showed their foes why they are in contention for the top eight.
The Chilli Boys were more comfortable on the ball. They articulated short passes in the midfield to a good extent and camped in the Swallows half.
While Swallows were struggling to find their rhythm, Chippa pounced with Kayden Francis after 17 minutes.
The Gqeberha-born player finished off a brilliant pass from Eva Nga inside the area for his third goal of the season.
The goal seemed to deflate the Dube Birds and their defence was at sixes and sevens just minutes later.
But Sinoxolo Kwayiba failed to capitalise. His shot on target lacked power and was easily dealt with by Swallows goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
From there, it was the Chippa United attack versus Akpeyi.
The Nigerian shot-stopper stood resolute with crucial saves and single-handedly kept answering the Chippa questions at goal.
Though Swallows enjoyed 52% possession, they struggled to break the Chippa backline and test Darren Johnson.
With Swallows coach Musa Nyatama’s hands in his pockets and frustration etched on his face, Chippa took a one-goal lead to the break.
Chasing a second goal, cocoaches Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September took off defensive midfielder Baraka Gamba Majogoro and introduced winger Luvuyo Memela.
The decision did not do the home side any good.
Swallows were able to penetrate Chippa’s midfield with ease. They caught Chippa on the counter a couple of times early in the second stanza.
Swallows broke the deadlock with a brilliant Gabadinho Mhango free kick just a few yards outside the Chippa box in the 71st minute.
The goal woke up the handful of Swallows fans in attendance. With the fans singing Mbobo vuleka gwijo, which means “open the hole”, the players responded on the pitch with a positive attitude.
They thought they had scored through Letsie Koapeng but his goal was judged offside.
But that did not dampen the confidence of the Dube Birds, as they kept knocking down on the Chippa defence, and were rewarded by Mbanjwa’s goal on 90 minutes.
● Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng were the stars as Orlando Pirates turned on the heat on Cape Town City, outwitting them 2-0 at the Cape Town Stadium yesterday.
Mabasa bagged a secondhalf brace with Mofokeng assisting him for both goals.