National First Division log leaders Milano United have been toppled from the summit after only managing a 2-2 draw with lowly FC Cape Town, while Chippa United, who whipped Blackburn Rovers 3-0, are celebrating their number one spot for the first time this season.
But with on-form Vasco da Gama claiming their sixth win in a row, a 1-0 victory over Santos, there is now just one point separating the top three outfits.
The Chilli Boys, thanks to Sipho Mtule, George Akpabio and new signing, Letsie Koapeng, sunk Amarover at Philippi, condemning Nino Chidoni’s side to the relegation zone.
It was a weekend of exciting Cape derbies in which Vasco proved who was best at Parow following a second-half penalty by Brent Adonis.
Both teams hit the ground running with some furious tackles, the People’s Team suffering three bookings in the early stages but with the news filtering at half time that a ten-man Milano were being held 1-1 by the African Beasts, it was all to play for.
Eezy my Kinnes had opened the scoring at Grassy Park via Brandon Theron, however, Siphiwe Gwala levelled matters before Milano’s talented striker Lesvin Stoffels saw red.
And although Chad Robertson put the home side 2-1 up, back came Duncan Lechesa’s outfit as Mpho Erasmus equalised.
The Free State derby between Maluti FET College and African Warriors also ended all square at 2-2. Thembinkosi Lorch and Thabiso Mokenakoane opened the scoring for Maluti but Warriors bounced back.
Sixth-placed Baroka FC engineered a great 3-1 win over Sivutsa Stars. Their goals came from Thabang Selowa, Mathari Mothupa and Thabiso Kutumela.
Mid-table United FC, despite being reduced to ten men, overpowered Jomo Cosmos 2-1, while another club with a new coach, Thanda Royal Zulu, shocked Witbank Spurs 3-2 in KZN.
A Mike Gumede brace coupled with a single strike from Mazwa Mncube saw Amabhubhesi grab only their second three-point haul of the campaign but importantly they’re now only two points behind Rovers, whose next assignment is Vasco.
NFD Scores:
Chippa United 3-0 Blackburn Rovers
Thanda Royal Zulu 3-2 Witbank Spurs
Maluti FET College 2-2 African Warriors
Vasco da Gama 1-0 Santos
Sivutsa Stars 1-3 Baroka FC
Milano United 2-2 FC Cape Town
United FC 2-1 Jomo Cosmos
