Mduduzi Shabalala strike hands Kaizer Chiefs victory at home to Chippa United

Mduduzi Shabalala netted the only goal of the game just minutes before the half-time break at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

It was just a fourth win of the season for new head coach Nasreddine Nabi, with the result seeing his side move up to seventh on the league standings with 15 points.

The Chilli Boys ended the evening in ninth place with 14 points.

Chiefs had started the tie well with Yusuf Maart on target with an early header only for Stanley Nwabali to produce a strong save.

The home side continued to press and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe came close with a free-kick that he fired just wide of the mark.

Chippa managed to get hold of the ball as the half unfolded but struggled to break down the Chiefs defence.

Shabalala then handed his side the advantage when he produced a sublime piece of skill to wind his way into the box before firing home past Nwabali.

Shabalala had a powerful effort well saved minutes after the restart

Ashley Du Preez was also causing problems for the away team but they were proving hard to break down as Chiefs searched for a second goal.

Ultimately one was enough for all three points, to leave Chiefs inside the top eight heading into the new year.

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