Sekhukhune United Secures Crucial Win Over Chippa United in Betway Premiership

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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. The win was crucial for Sekhukhune, as it 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 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, with their top scorer Andy Boyeli having 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. The match scores were as follows:

• Chippa (0) 0
• Sekhukhune (1) 1 (Mogaila 37')

The win was a significant boost for Sekhukhune United, who had been under pressure to perform after a huge investment in signing high-profile players. The team's hierarchy had been reportedly unhappy with the brand of football played at the club, and a defeat could have been a final nail to the coffin for coach Lehlohonolo Seema. However, the win offered a temporary reprieve, and Sekhukhune will be looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.

The confirmed line-ups for the match were as follows:

• Chippa United: Nwabali, Kammies, Molaoa, Makhele, Modise (Chabalala 88'), Ndlovu (Mqokozo 77'), Tyongwana (Baloni 46'), Martin (Maarman 46'), Kwayiba, Philander, Eva Nga (Teto 68')
• Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Tshibwabwa, Letlapa (Rammala 46'), Mokhouane, Mkhize, Mohamme, Mbule (Mntambo 67'), Mogaila, Makgalwa, Mokoane (Mncube 67'), Boyeli (Cardoso 90'+1)

The win was a testament to Sekhukhune's resilience and determination, and they will be looking to carry this momentum forward in their upcoming matches.

In conclusion, Sekhukhune United's win over Chippa United was a crucial one, as it boosted their top three ambitions and offered a temporary reprieve for coach Lehlohonolo Seema. The team will be looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches, starting with their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 February. With their talented squad and newfound confidence, Sekhukhune United will be a force to be reckoned with in the Betway Premiership.

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