Absa Premiership
Result: Chippa United 2-1 Free State Stars
Date: 23 August 2016
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Chippa United edged out Free State Stars 2-1 to get their Absa Premiership season off to a winning start on Tuesday.
The Chilli Boys opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Rhulani Manzini netted the league's first goal of the season, following good work from Thembinkosi Lorch.
Shortly thereafter the scores were tied once more as Charles Kampi made it 1-1 after the assist from Thokozani Sekotlong.
The goals kept coming when in the 35th minute Manzini popped up to complete his brace and put Chippa back in front, giving them the avantage at the break.
There were few chances after the interval as neither side could create any real openings.
Stars introduced Mrisho Ngasa for Mbuyiselo Thethani after the hour-mark, as they went in search of an equaliser.
However, neither side could carve out another clear-cut opening in the closing 20 minutes, with the clash often interrupted by needles fouls from both clubs.
The Chilli Boys were content to hold on to their fragile lead and came away with three valuable points against Ea Lla Koto.
Here's how they lined up:
Chippa: 16 Dlamini, 2 Okwuosa, 24 Thopola, 4 Van Heerden, 40 Kama, 23 Bereng (Mbokoma 75'), 21 Sangweni, 10 Mbenyane (Mdlinzo 75'), 5 Wambi, 3 Lorch, 19 R. Manzini. (Lerato Manzini 84')
Free State Stars: 31 Mathole, 20 Mashego, 5 Masehe (Tshabangu 52') , 24 Tlhone, 22 Booysen, 6 Nkausu, 13 Kampi, 50 Vilakazi, 7 Sekotlong (Mothiba 83'), 23 Sekola, 12 Thethani (Ngasa 63').
