Staff Reporter.
Sekhukhune United won the “Battle of the Uniteds” after they beat Chippa United 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.
With the win, Sekhukhune will join Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC in the semi-final round. It’s first time that Sekhukhune have reached the Nedbank Cup semis.
Babina Noko got the game off on the best possible note and took the lead in the first minute of the encounter. With their first shot at goal, Elias Mokwana put Babina Noko ahead in swift fashion, with the home team under pressure at the outset.
Sekhukhune continued to hold most of the ball during the first 10 minutes of the game and took the game to the Chilli Boys by applying pressure high up the pitch.
Chippa levelled matters in the 17th minute and made the most of a set-piece situation following a quick counter attacking move. After being awarded a corner, Etiosa Ighodaro rose highest to head home from the centre of the penalty area.
It was a back and forth affair toward the 30th minute mark with both teams having a go at each other in looking to take the lead. However, it was the travelling outfit who pipped Chippa to the ball possession count.
Chibuike Ohizu gave Sekhukhune a crucial lead on the stroke of halftime, as he capped off a well-worked move on the edge of the Chippa penalty area.
With Mokwana beating his man with a deft bit of skill, the attacker chipped a pin-point ball into the area as the Nigerian striker’s header proved to be too much for Stanley Nwabili.
In making a strong start to the second 45, Chippa made inroads into the Sekhukhune box, however, Brandon Truter’s side remained solid under pressure.
Chippa began seeing more of the ball as the hour mark approached and were the better side following the halftime break. In managing the game, Sekhukhune appeared to employ defensive tactics with 20 minutes of regulation time remaining.
Sekhukhune looked dangerous in counter-attacking moments and often made way inside the Chippa half after turning over possession.
The Chilli Boys remained progressive on the ball during the closing stages of regulation time but struggled to penetrate the Babina Noko backline.
However, it was not to be for Chippa United as Sekhukhune recorded a 2-1 win to advance to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup.