Dikwena too strong for Chippa

Cape Town - Goals from Siboniso Gumede, Letladi Madubanya and Bongi Ntuli took Platinum Stars to a 3-2 win over Chippa United in an Absa Premiership match at Moruleng Stadium on Tuesday.

The victory is Dikwena’s third in a row in the league and extends their unbeaten run to five games, while the Chilli Boys – who finished the game with 10 men – have now lost three times.

Chippa had the first shot in anger, with Eric Chipeta’s effort easily saved by Bouna Coundoul. Stars then took control of the game, with Eleazar Rodgers heading wide in the ninth minute before Mahlatse Makudubela put a shot over the crossbar.

The hosts’ pressure paid dividends in the 19^th minute when a free-kick from Vuyo Mere found the head of Siboniso Gumede, who placed an effort beyond the reach of Ayanda Masiko to make it 1-0.

Chippa suffered a further blow just under 10 minutes later when Philani Shange was forced off injured. Joseph Malongoane came on his place and Chippa soon created a chance for Aristide Bance, who put his shot straight at Coundoul.

The last chance of the first half went the way of Dikwena, with Tintswalo Tshabalala shooting on target direct from a free kick, but Masiko was able to make a comfortable save.

Chippa made a change at the start of the second half, sending on Rhulani Manzini. The substitute was soon fouled near the penalty area and Chipeta scored from the resultant free-kick to make it 1-1 soon after the restart.

Stars looked to reclaim the lead in the 54^th minute from another set piece, but Mere’s cross was put wide by Robert Ng’ambi, while three minutes later it was Rodgers’ turn to head off target from another cross by the home side’s right-back.

Dikwena finally moved back in front in the 63^rd minute, with midfielder Letladi Madubanya finishing off a chance after Sibusiso Msomi’s initial shot was not cleared by the visitors’ defence.

The home side extended their advantage with just under a quarter hour of regulation time to play. Two substitutes combined as Sibusiso Hadebe provided the assist for Bongi Ntuli to steer home a shot and make it 3-1.

Things soon went from bad to worse for the Chilli Boys as Joseph Malongoane received a second yellow card and was sent for an early shower by the referee. However, they claimed a late consolation when Chipeta claimed his second of the game.