Mogaila fires Sekhukhune into top three at Chippa

Sekhukhune United had to dig deep for a 1-0 win over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership match played at the Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Therefore, Babina Noko climbed to the third spot in the league standings as they boosted their top three ambitions, and they will be keen to make it three wins in a row when they play host to Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 February in Polokwane.

The Chilli Boys, on the other hand, remained ninth in the standings after their top eight ambitions took a knock and they will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face Richards Bay on 1 March in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Chilli Boys were the better side in the opening exchanges and in the first minute, Bienvenu Eva Nga's header was well-saved by goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, who also denied by Papama Tyongwana in the ninth minute.

However, Babina Noko grew gradually into the game as it progressed and they broke the deadlock through Shaune Mogaila in the 37th minute. The speedy player scored with a thunderous long-range shot and Sekhukhune were leading 1-0 at the interval.

The visitors did not sit back and defend their narrow lead after the restart. Their top scorer Andy Boyeli had a chance to score his seventh league goal of the season in the 69th minute, but the Sekhukhune striker was denied by keeper Stanley Nwabali.

With 13 minutes left on the clock, coach Thabo September introduced the attack-minded Aviwe Mqokozo as Chippa looked to snatch a late equalising goal. However, Sinoxolo Kwayiba was denied by Sangare in the 88th minute to ensure that Sekhukhune secured a 1-0 win.

Chippa (0) 0

Sekhukhune (1) 1 (Mogaila 37')

Chippa: Nwabali, Kammies, Molaoa, Makhele, Modise (Chabalala 88'), Ndlovu (Mqokozo 77'), Tyongwana (Baloni 46'), Martin (Maarman 46'), Kwayiba, Philander, Eva Nga (Teto 68')

Sekhukhune: Sangare, Tshibwabwa, Letlapa (Rammala 46'), Mokhouane, Mkhize, Mohamme, Mbule (Mntambo 67'), Mogaila, Makgalwa, Mokoane (Mncube 67'), Boyeli (Cardoso 90'+1)