Result: Royal AM 1-0 Chippa United
Date: 12 September 2021
Royal were boosted by the return of Victor Letsoalo, who started for the first time this season while the Chilli Boys recalled Cameroonian striker Bienvenu Eva Nga.
The hosts almost had a perfect start in the second minute after Letsoalo combined well with Ndumiso Mabena, who went through inside the box and unleashed a low strike at the near post that took a deflection and was heading towards goal but goalkeeper Ismael Watenga made a good reflex save.
Watenga was called into action again in the 15th minute after Thato Lingwati cut inside from the left wing and curled a strike towards the top corner but the Ugandan shot-stopper was equal to the task.
After a quiet spell in the half, Royal were dealt an injury blow eight minutes before the half-time break after Mabena limped off the pitch and was replaced by Levy Mashiane, as the first stanza ended without goals.
However, Thwihli Thwahla eventually were awarded a penalty six minutes after the halftime break, as Riaan Hanamub was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box and Letsoalo showed composure to slot home the spot-kick for the opening.
Hunt reacted by making a triple change just before the hour-mark, as Ramasimong Maloisane, Phakamani Mahlambi and Athini Jodwana were introduced as they pushed for an equaliser.
The changes gave Chippa new energy upfront as Mogakolodi Ngele came close to levelling matters for the visitors in the last 14 minutes with a curling free-kick from the edge of the box.
Maduka's troops defended deep and in numbers in the closing minutes, with the Chilli Boys desperate for the equaliser but they lacked the momentum and hardly threatened, as Royal held on for their first ever win in top flight.
Royal: 16. Nyame, 20. Mkhize, 30. Monamodi, 22. Rikhotso, 24. Lingwati, 18. Mashikinya, 13. Manganyi, 11. Potsane, 10. Mabena, 12. Mahlasela, 21. Letsoalo.
Subs: 31. Chaine, 50. Masuku, 28. Mabuza, 38. Mashiane, 9. Sera, 29. Van der Goss, 46. Mdluli, 19. Matjila, 8. Phalane.
Chippa: 19. Watenga, 2. Mdunyelwa, 4. Hanamub, 5. Pietersen, 24. Zulu, 6. Seabi, 10. Mokhele, 20. Mdlinzo, 11. Ngele, 28. Lebitso, 9. Eva Nga.
Subs: 16. Mtshali, 3. Jodwana, 7. Mahlambi, 8. Maloisane, 12. Matrose, 14. Mkhize, 27. Lentjies, 15. Haukongo, 29. Mthethwa.
