By SABC Sport
29th October 2024
Hendrick Ekstein and Celimpilo Ngema strike to Lift AmaZulu off Bottom with win over Chippa
AmaZulu FC secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Chippa United in a Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium, moving them up to 15th in the standings.
AmaZulu's early lead proved decisive, ending their winless streak and seeing them claim three points after five games, while Chippa United remain in fifth with 10 points from seven matches.
Hendrick Ekstein opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a well-placed shot from the centre of the box, assisted by Tshepang Moremi.
This lifted the energy on the field, with AmaZulu pressing forward and putting Chippa's defence under constant pressure.
Nine minutes later, Celimpilo Ngema doubled the lead, striking confidently into the bottom right corner after a neat setup by Rowan Human.
Despite multiple attempts from Chippa, including a close-range header from Thabo Makhele that struck the crossbar in the 75th minute, they failed to break AmaZulu's defence.
AmaZulu held firm through the second half, with goalkeeper Veli Mothwa keeping Chippa at bay, making key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The victory marked a positive shift for AmaZulu, who aim to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures as they fight to climb the Premiership table.
Sekhukhune soar past Richards Bay with late goals
Sekhukhune United secured a solid 2-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in their Betway Premiership clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The win lifted Sekhukhune to third in the standings with 10 points from five matches, while Richards Bay remain in 13th with five points after six games.
The first half saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock despite several opportunities.
Moses Mthembu's early attempt for Richards Bay went narrowly over, and Sipho Mbule had a close header for Sekhukhune but missed left.
Sekhukhune dominated possession and had a string of attempts, with Keletso Makgalwa and Andy Boyeli testing the Richards Bay defence, yet the first half ended 0-0.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Richards Bay unable to capitalise on long-range shots.
Sekhukhune, however, intensified their attack, eventually finding the breakthrough in the 71st minute.
Siphesihle Mkhize slotted home from close range, assisted by Makgalwa's precise cross, giving the home side a well-earned lead.
As Richards Bay pushed for an equaliser, Sekhukhune sealed the match in the 90th minute.
Mbule's powerful strike from outside the box, set up by Mkhize, found the bottom left corner, securing all three points for Sekhukhune with a comfortable 2-0 finish.