Wits stutter against Chilli Boys

Johannesburg - Wits have dropped what could be two vital points in their title challenge, drawing with Chippa United at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday night.

It was a game of two halves as Chippa dominated the opening period to take a 1-0 lead in at the break, but Gavin Hunt's team came back strongly after the restart to claim the point.

Chippa's slick passing game, orchestrated by the trio of Xola Mlambo, Buyani Sali, Thamsanqua Sangweni, saw the visitors dictating matters in the middle of the park in the first 45 minutes.

It was the Chilli Boys who took the lead, Sangweni scorching in a powerful half volley at the near post on 17 minutes after Mlambo had pulled the ball back across goal.

There were, however, not many clear-cut chances, although home keeper Moeneeb Josephs was the kept busy and was needed to keep out some dangerous balls into the box from Dan Malasela's men.

The Clever Boys failed to penetrate the Chippa defence for the most part, although they did come close 10 minutes before halftime when Sibusiso Vilakazi's header was cleared off the line by a defender.

Wits grew stronger after the break, Chippa keeper Daniel Akpeyi having to make a very good save to keep out Vilakazi's angled drive from the edge of the area.

It was from the resultant corner that the hosts leveled matters, Vilakazi climbing in the box to pick out the far corner of the net with his head, making it 1-1 on 59 minutes.

The Students had some great chances to get the winner, but Phumlani Ntshangase shot over from a tight angle, Joaquim Lupeta headed over goal from only five yards out before Daine KJate failed to find the target with a header 12 minutes from time.