Chippa’s unbeaten run to be tested by ‘Downs

Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Andile Mbenyane of Chippa United during the Absa Premiership 2016/17 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United at Loftus Stadium, South Africa on 28 February 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Nov 25, 2017. 12:30

Chippa United’s unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership will be put to the test by Mamelodi Sundowns at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 25 November 2017, kick-off at 15h30.

Chippa have gone eight league matches without defeat following a 1-1 draw away to Free State Stars on November 22. The Eastern Cape side had to fight back from a goal down to claim a share of the spoils in Bethlehem.

The Chilli Boys have performed respectably at home so far this season, with two wins, two draws and just one defeat from five turns as hosts. Their last home match was a 2-1 win over Cape Town City just over a month ago.

Sundowns claimed a second successive league win when they defeated Bidvest Wits 2-0 in Johannesburg, courtesy of two second-half strikes from Khama Billiat. Coach Pitso Mosimane will hope this sparks a run of form which brings his side back to the top of the league standings.

And the good news for the Brazilians, ahead of this trip to the Eastern Cape, is that they boast a 100 percent away record this season: five games on the road, five victories. In fact, all of their 15 log points have been claimed from away matches.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Sundowns have met in eight league matches since 2012/13. The Brazilians boast an unbeaten record in the sequence, with four wins and four draws recorded. The Chilli Boys have managed three draws and one loss from their four home league matches against ‘Downs.

Last season the teams cancelled each other out in their two league meetings, drawing 1-1 in the Eastern Cape in the first half of the campaign, followed by a goalless stalemate in the return in Tshwane.

Chippa’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Stars on November 22: Akpeyi, Macheke, Okwuosa, Bergman, Maphanga, Mvelase, Mabaso (Zuke 61’), Mdlinzo, Mako, Lentjies (Sekola 65’), Julies (Masuku 81’).

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-0 win over Wits on November 21: Onyango, Morena (Billiat 56'), Langerman, Soumahoro, Ngcongca (Laffor 85'), Madisha, Kekana, Mabunda, Manyisa, Tau, Vilakazi (Zwane 81').