Free State Stars stumble against Chippa in Mdantsane

Mark Mayambela

Saturday Mar 17, 2018. 17:54

Free State Stars lost their Absa Premiership encounter 1-0 to Chippa United on Saturday afternoon at Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

In the wake of the loss, the visitors are now placed at number four with 37 points from 24 league games in their season.

For the hosts, Abel Mabaso scored in the second half as they avenged their 2-1 loss in the Nedbank Cup last weekend.

The two sides had a bright start as they exchanged ball possession in the opening 10 minutes, but there were few chances in front of goal.

Stars pushed forward with more purpose in search of an opening goal and Sinethemba Jantjie’s well taken set piece was punched away by Daniel Akpeyi in the 26th minute.

Although Chippa had possession in promising areas towards the half-hour mark, they were unable to test Ali Sangare as their shots went wide.

Beautiful football by Vladislav Heric’s men in the final third saw Linda Mntambo unleashing a half volley from a long range shot, but Sangare was equal to the task and saved in the 39th minute.

There were no goals at the end of the opening half.

However, the resumption of the second stanza saw the hosts bagging a lead through Mabaso, who capitalised on a scramble in the box and his shot beat Sangare in the 47th minute.

Ea Lla Koto tried to respond just after the hour mark, Bangali Keita saw his header hitting Akpeyi’s near post from a well-delivered set piece.

Luc Eymael’s men would have a number of set pieces on the edge of the box, but Mohamed Anas could not hit the target in the 72nd minute, his shot went over the crossbar.

In a game where yellow cards were flashed out like Christmas gifts, the Bethlehem-based side could not use their chances and trouble United’s shaky defence in the last five minutes.

Resulting from this win, the Port Elizabeth-based side now move number eight with 30 points from 24 matches.

Chippa United (0) 1 (Mabaso 47’)

Free State Stars 0

Chippa United: Akpeyi, Macheke, Konqobe, Nsabiyumva, Mntambo, Rakhale (Mzwakali 68’), Hachi, Mabaso, Mayambela, Sali (Mdlinzo 84’), Macuphu (Bergman 87’)

Free State Stars: Sangare, Teyise, Phungwayo, Klaas (Mthembu 58’), Masehe, Makhaula (Cosse 69’), Anas, Tchilimbou, Mbhele, Keita, Jantjie (Dlamini 80’)