Mabaso strike sees Chippa edge FS Stars

Cape Town - Abel Mabaso scored the only goal of the game to hand Chippa United a narrow 1-0 win over Free State Stars at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday.

The win helped the Chilli Boys get their revenge over Ea Lla Koto, who won the Nedbank Cup clash between the two club last weekend.

The Chilli Boys looked the better of the two teams in the opening exchanges of the match, but could not get their way past the well-organised defence of Stars.

Mxolisi Macuphu was the main culprit for the hosts as he was presented with a good chance in the 28th minute, but his effort was not strong enough to trouble Stars goalkeeper Badra Sangare.

Chippa stand-in captain Mark Mayambela was brilliant in the midfield, but could not help his side make use of their dominance during the first half.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Mohammed Anas was presented with the best chance of the game to put the visitors ahead, but defender Frederic Nsabiyumva was up to the task making an important tackle in the penalty box to deny Stars the opening goal.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 46th minute as Stars defenders failed to deal with a ball played into their box by the outstanding Mayambela and landed in the path of Mabaso, who slotted the ball past Sangare.

Ea Lla Koto's bench reacted immediately after conceding the goal introducing experienced forward Siphelele Mthembu. Chippa also brought on Bantu Mzwakali, who replaced Thabo Rakhale as the home side looked to increase the score.

Luc Eymael's side was presented with another chance to get the equaliser in the 62nd minute only for the headed effort by defender Bengali Keita to hit the post, but it would not have counted as it was ruled offside.

The late stages of the game failed to produce clear goal scoring chances as Chippa held on to their lead to walk away with the three valuable points.