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Port Elizabeth - Chippa United returned to winning ways after defeating Polokwane City 2-1 in an Absa Premiership clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday night.
The two teams attacked each other from the first whistle, and despite being one man down, the Citizens fought hard, but ultimately narrowly lost on the night.
Just three minutes into game, Chippa striker Lerato Manzini was sent through on goal by Nkosinathi Mthinyane, but the former was stopped by a superb tackle from Carlington Nyadombo.
The Citizens then launched a quick counter-attack through Puleng Tlolane, who played a good cross to Baptiste Faye, but the striker placed his header over the cross-bar.
Chippa dribbling wizard Mark Mayambela beat his marker on the edge of the box in the 26th minute, and ballooned the ball over Polokwane goalkeeper George Chigova's goal-posts.
At the other end, Tlolane ran into the Chippa box after a receiving a good pass from Cole Alexander, but the striker struck the ball straight into ‘keeper Daniel Akpeyi's hands.
New Polokwane defender Gert Barends was given the marching orders in the 32nd minute for a dangerous tackle on Nkosinathi Mthiyane.
It took only five minutes for the Chilli Boys to increase their lead through Burkina Faso international striker Aristide Bance, who finished brilliantly from inside the Polokwane box.
However, the Citizens never lost hope, as they pushed forward in numbers. In the 61st minute Polokwane captain Jabulani Maluleke's effort was well saved by Nigerian ‘keeper Akpeyi.
Ten minutes later, substitute Linda Shiba forced Akpeyi into a decent save, before the goal-minder pulled off a fantastic stop, parrying away Tema's shot from close range.
Mayambela and Bance had good opportunities to seal Chippa's victory on the night, but they both failed to hit the target with 10 minutes left on the clock.
However, Polokwane pulled one back in stoppage time through Thobani Mncwango. The goal proved to be a consolation goal, as Chippa held on to record a victory at home.
Scorers:
Chippa United (1) 2 (Manzini 45’ Bance 50’)
Polokwane City (0) 1 (Mncwango 90’)
