Baroka stutter at home against Chippa

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday Feb 17, 2018. 18:00

Wasteful Baroka FC drew 0-0 against Chippa United in the Absa Premiership at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The result leaves Teboho Moloi's men sitting at the seventh spot with 27 points from 21 matches.

Baroka struggled in the beginning, but it was Matome Kgoetyane who nearly caught Brighton Mhlongo off his line in the ninth minute with a long range shot, but it sailed inches over the cross bar.

Chippa would fight for dominance in the 15th minute and Mark Mayambela’s effort from distance was swallowed by Ayanda Dlamini on second attempt.

Linda Mntambo was instrumental for the visitors in their attacks and could not believe his miss in the 27th minute from a sitter, his shot went wide.

With both sides wasteful in the final third, there were no goals at the end of the opening stanza.

Upon their return, the Port Elizabeth-based side continued to enjoy the ball possession and forced Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele to commit fouls, yet Mayambela failed to capitalise on a set piece after the hour mark.

Coach McDonald Makhubedu’s men pushed forward in search of an opener and Abdi Banda saw his well taken header going wide off Mhlongo’s near post in the 72nd minute.

With six minutes to go, the hosts resorted to long range efforts and still couldn’t find their way through Mhlongo who stood firm.

However, Moloi’s men would rattle the cross bar two minutes later from Andile Mbenyane’s set piece against the run of play.

In their response, Mpho Kgaswane forced a superb save from Mhlongo form a set piece on the edge of the box, but Banda’s header went over the cross bar from a corner.

Bakgaga continued to probe for a winner, but could not score and both sides settled for a point apiece.

For the hosts, the draw sees the remaining placed at number eight with 27 points from 21 league matches.

Baroka FC: (0)
Chippa United: (0)

Baroka FC: Dlamini, Kgoetyane, Banda, Madubanya, Kgaswane, Mothupa, Nguzana (Ngalande 53’), Chawaphiwa (Sodi 89’), Mohwatseleng, Mdantsane, Motupa

Chippa United: Mhlongo, Macheke, Konqobe, Okwuosa, Hachi, Mayambela (Rakhale 75’), Mntambo, Lentjies (Manqele 51’), Mdlinzo (Mabaso 55’), Mako, Mbenyane