Chippa get back on the winning trail

Golden Arrows' poor run of form in the DStv Premiership continued after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday evening.

An early goal from Ronaldo Maarman put Morgan Mammila's side in the driver's seat and Craig Martin sealed the win deep into stoppage time as Abafana Bes'thende pushed for an equaliser.

The Chilli Boys halted a five-game winless run to move up to ninth position, two points behind Arrows, who dropped down to sixth place after suffering a fourth loss on the spin.

Goal 90’+7
Chippa United FC 2-0 Golden Arrows FC #chippaunited #ayeyechilliboysayeye #prideofeasterncape #dstvprem pic.twitter.com/ybyUOmMCPp — Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) December 9, 2023

Both teams were targeting a return to winning ways after Chippa lost 2-0 to Sekhukhune United in midweek, while Mabhuti Khenyeza's side slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Cape Town City a fortnight ago.

There was no shortage of chances as Augustine Mulenga and Goodman Mosele fired wayward in the opening stages before Siyabonga Nhlapo tested Ismail Watenga with a shot from inside the area on eight minutes.

The hosts threatened again two minutes later when Roscoe Pietersen got on the end of Mulenga's cross, but steered his header straight at Watenga.

Their early dominance would pay off on 18 minutes after Maarman was brought down by Themba Mantshiyane just outside the box and the winger dusted himself off to beat Watenga with an expertly-taken free-kick.

The Eastern Cape outfit almost doubled their lead shortly afterwards, although Watenga was alert to the danger as he denied Mulenga from inside the area on the right.

Kayden Francis then missed the target with two opportunities inside the box before