Chippa look to extend unbeaten run

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Dec 05, 2017. 12:00

Chippa United will look to extend their unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership when they host Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 6 December 2017, kick-off at 19h30.

Chippa were held to a goalless draw by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Eastern Cape on November 25, bringing their unbeaten streak in the league to nine matches. Most of the results have been draws, with United picking up 13 points from a possible 27 in the sequence.

The Chilli Boys have claimed nine points from a possible 18 in home matches so far this season. Their two home wins were against AmaZulu in August and Cape Town City in October, while only Baroka FC have come away from the Eastern Cape with a haul of three points so far this term.

Chiefs played to a fourth successive draw when they were held 1-1 at home by Free State Stars on November 25. The Soweto side at least managed to break a three-game goalless streak thanks to Bernard Parker’s equaliser, but they have now drawn four games in a row and seemingly cannot build any kind of momentum in the league.

The Amakhosi have at least performed strongly away from home this season, with three wins and three draws from six matches on the road. Their last away win was a 2-1 triumph at fellow heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns back in mid-October.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Chiefs have met in eight league matches since 2012/13. The Amakhosi have claimed five wins compared to two for the Chilli Boys, while one match has been drawn. The Eastern Cape side has won one of their four home league matches against the Soweto giants, suffering two defeats in the process.

Last season Chippa claimed a 3-1 home win in the first half of the campaign, but Chiefs claimed revenge with a 1-0 triumph in the return game. The Amakhosi have won just one of the last four matches between the teams, having won all of the first four.

Chippa’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Sundowns on November 25: Akpeyi (Mhlongo 68’), Macheke, Okwuosa, Konqobe, Maphanga, Mvelase, Mabaso, Mdlinzo, Mako, Lentjies (Julies 61’), Sekola (Mashego 55’).

Chiefs’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Stars on November 25: Khune, Cardoso, Hadebe, Ngezana, Zulu (Jayiya 70’), Katsande, Maluleka, Molangoane, Parker, Tshabalala, Paez (Zuma 65’).