Chippa United advanced to the Nedbank Cup last 16 after defeating Golden Arrows 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Golden Arrows 1-2 Chippa United
Date: 25 January 2025
Venue: Mpumalanga Stadium
Arrows made three changes after their draw against TS Galaxy, as Nduduzo Sibiya, Olwethu Ncube and Ntsikelelo Nxadi were brought in.
Chippa, meanwhile, were boosted by the return of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Siphelo Baloni and Sergio Kammies following their draw against Marumo Gallants.
Abafana Bes'thende had a bright start as Angelo Van Rooi had a good chance after going through on goal but was denied by Nwabali in a one-on-one.
Chippa got into the game around the half-hour mark and they also created a clear opportunity after Bienvenu Eva Nga went clear on goal but could not beat shot-stopper Ismail Watenga.
The game continued to open up and on the stroke of half-time Gladwin Shitolo had a chance at the back post but his chip came off the head of Nwabali, as the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Thabo September's charges gained control of the game from the second stanza, as they pressurized Arrows.
However, United made a key change on 66 minutes as Giovanni Philander came on for Azola Matrose for fresh legs.
Philander made an immediate impact and with 20 minutes to go provided a corner that was headed home by Sinoxolo Kwayiba, as the Chilli Boys went ahead.
There was controversy four minutes later after Brandon Theron had a shot for Arrows in the box that seemed to have been cleared off the line but the assistant referee signalled it had crossed the line.
Chippa were fired up and from the restart restored their lead after Theron sweeped a cross into his own goal.
The hosts pressurized The Chilli Boys in the dying minutes but September's men did enough to hold on and booked their spot in the last 16.
Here's how they line up:
Golden Arrows: Watenga ,Shitolo, Theron, Nxadi, Ncube, Van Rooi, Mantshiyane, Ndwandwe, Sibiya, Mthanti, B.Cele
Subs: Maova, Zuke, Lukhele, Sibeko, Gumbi, Malinga, Moon, Tlolane, Zwane.
Chippa United: Nwabali, Kammies, Matrose, Makhele, Konqobe, Molaoa, Kwayiba, Modise, Bienvenu, Teto, Baloni
Subs: Johnson, Tyongwana, Mqokozo, Martin, Chabalala, Ndlovu, Maarman, Madingwana, Philander
