Maritzburg United held by stubborn Chippa United

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Jan 26, 2018. 23:09

Maritzburg United held Chippa United to a 1-1 draw in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.

The draw sees the Team of Choice remain fifth on the league standings, while the Chilli Boys climb up to seventh spot on the table.

The home side dominated the match from the start with Maritzburg striker Evans Rusike missing the target from close range 10 minutes into the game.

However, Chippa were awarded a penalty after Brian Onyango had handled the ball inside the box in the 24th minute.

Nigeria international James Okwuosa stepped up and he was denied by Maritzburg goalkeeper Richard Ofori from the spot-kick.

The Team of Choice continued to dominate possession as they looked to break the deadlock.

But the home side found it difficult to unlock the Chilli Boys defence which looked solid.

The score was 0-0 at half-time between Maritzburg and Chippa.

An action-packed second-half followed with the home side breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute.

Rusike was the man, who scored to make it 1-0 to Maritzburg much to the delight of the home crowd.

However, the hosts' lead lasted for nine minutes as Mxolisi Macuphu made it 1-1 for Chippa with a good finish.

Both teams launched attacks in the closing stages of the game in search of a late winning goal, but it never came and the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw.

Maritzburg (0) 1 (Rusike 64')
Chippa (0) 1 (Macuphu 73')

Maritzburg: Ofori, Sanoka, Xulu, Onyango (Matima 89'), De Reuck, Makaringe (Shandu 63'), Ndlovu, Mekoa (Atouba 87'), Maboe, Rusike, Fileccia.

Chippa: Akpeyi, Okwuosa, Modisane, Hachi, Macheke, Mabaso, Lentjies (Mbenyane 82'), Maholo (Rakhale 52'), Mako (Sali 69'), Macuphu, Mntambo.