Chilli Boys draw Dikwena in six-goal thriller

Cape Town - Chippa United and Platinum Stars played out to an entertaining six-goal thriller on Sunday in the Absa Premiership with Mark Mayambela and Riyaad Norodien completing braces.

It was a match full of action as Mayambela opened the scoring before Norodien pulled the scores level. The same two were involved as the former got the second and the latter made it 2-2.

There was drama at the end as Andile Mbenyane made it 3-2 for the hosts before Gerald Phiri rescued a point for Roger de Sa's men.

It was a game devoid of openings in the early exchanges as both teams were cautious in coming forward. However, in the 22nd minute Lehlogonolo Masalesa stole possession from James Okwuosa before sending Letsie Koapeng through on goal though Ayabulela Magqwaka made a last-ditch clearance.

Nonetheless, the first goal arrived for the hosts in the 27th minute as Mark Mayambela arrived on the end of a cross from debutant Farès Hachi before powering home a header beyond goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela. 

On the half-an-hour mark Mxolisi Macuphu nearly made it 2-0 as he forced Mzimela into an excellent fingertip save, though the official ruled that he had not got a touch on the ball and said it was a goal-kick. 

Moments later Manti Mekoa cleared off the line for the visitors as the Chilli Boys pressed for a second goal with Abel Mabaso being denied. With that said, Stars drew parity largely against the run of play when Riyaad Norodien fired home from the edge of the area, though Daniel Akpeyi may have done better. 

After the break it remained tight although the home outfit would again take the advantage as Mayambela struck home from a free-kick just before the hour mark. The drama continued as Norodien levelled matters with another sweetly struck effort in the 76th minute. 

It remained an entertaining contest and would soon take another twist as Mbenyane came off the bench to make it 3-2 in the 84th minute. With that said, the away side would not be denied as Phiri scored an excellent set-piece in the 88th minute to ensure the spoils were shared.