Nedbank Cup
Result: Free State Stars 2-1 Chippa United
Date: 10 March 2018
Venue: Goble Park
Free State Stars secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after beating Chippa United 2-1 at Goble Park on Saturday afternoon.
Thabo Rakhale almost opened the scoring for the Chilli Boys after eight minutes with a strike from outside the box that was well saved by Stars goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni.
The match had a good flow in the first quarter and it was still anybody's game.
Mark Mayambela nearly grabbed the lead for United in a spectacular manner with a volley from just outside the box but his strike sailed over the bar.
James Okwuosa had a glorious chance to hand Vladislav Heric's charges the breakthrough in the 34th minute but he he sent his effort over the bar from close range.
Neither side could find the target and they went into the break goalless.
A minute into the second half, Paulus Masehe broke the deadlock for Ea Lla Koto by converting Sinethemba Jantjie's corner from close range.
Chippa managed to level matters just before the hour-mark with Linda Mntambo finding the back of the net with a low strike.
Stars played on the counter with 20 minutes and were threatening to beat United's high-line but they could not time their runs to perfection.
However, Stars snatched victory in the closing stages as Bangali Keita sent a close-range finish past Brighton Mhlongo to secure their spot in the next round.
Here's how they lined up:
Stars: 32. Ngobeni, 5. Masehe, 2. Mobbie, 28. Mahamutsa, 22. Keita, 29. Phungwayo, 3. Anas, 27, Tchilimbou (Teyise 89'), 26. Dlamini (Makhaula 71'), 11. Jantjie, 39. Cosse (Mthembu 65'). Subs: 23. Sangare, 4. Makhaula, 50. Vilakazi, 21. Mthembu, 20. Mashego, 6. Teyise, 35. Klaas. Chippa: 29. Mhlongo, 4. Macheke, 2. Okwuosa, 47. Nsabiyumva,32. Lentjies (Mntambo 46'), 21. Rakhale, 31. Hachi, 27. Mabaso, 11, Mayambela (Mzwakali 68'), 6. Sali, 17. Macuphu (Manqele 63'). Subs: 1.Akpeyi, 20. Mdlinzo, 37. Seanego, 8. Mzwakali, 35. Bergman, 23. Mntambo, 40. Manqele.
