Nedbank Cup: Chippa United 3-0 TS Galaxy – Chilli Boys eliminate champions
Augustine Chidi Kwem (brace) and Ruzaigh Gamildien both netted as Mapeza’s side overcame the NFD side
Chippa United became the first team to reach the 2019/20 Nedbank Cup Last 16 after defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Last 32 clash on Wednesday night.
Norman Mapeza decided to rest some of his key players with the experienced duo of Thabo Rakhale and Kurt Lentjies named among the substitutes.
Ruzaigh Gamildien, who grabbed a brace for Steenberg United in a 3-3 draw against Galaxy in the National First Division (NFD) match earlier this season, started in attack for the Chilli Boys.
On the other hand, Dan Malesela named a strong team with inspirational captain Ludwe Mpakumpaku starting in goal, while towering defender Austin Dube led the defence.
Former Chippa midfielder Sizwe Mdlinzo, was one of Galaxy’s key players as they made history by clinching last season’s Nedbank Cup, was deployed in midfield.
Galaxy were the better side in the opening stages of the match and they should have grabbed an early goal following a great move by the visitors.
Ntshuxeko Ndlovu controlled the ball well in the Chippa box, but the 25-year-old attacker unleashed a tame shot straight at Veli Mothwa in the hosts’ goal-posts.
The Chilli Boys grew into the encounter as it progressed and they had a great opportunity to break the deadlock with the Rockets’ defence exposed.
However, Gamildien missed a sitter from close range as he directed his low shot wide of the target after connecting with a delightful cross from Thabiso Lebitso.
The hosts looked dangerous every time they pushed forward, but they were let down by some poor finishing as somehow Augustine Chidi Kwem failed to connect with a cross from close range.
The score was 0-0 during the half-time break following a first-half which saw both teams fail to take their chances.
The Chilli Boys continued to dominate after the restart and they deservedly broke the deadlock through Gamildien, who beat Mpakumpaku to make it 1-0 to Chippa just after the hour-mark.
The Rockets were struggling to contain the hosts and they conceded again when Mpakumpaku made a goalkeeping error and Kwem pounced to make it 2-0 with 16 minutes left.
The momentum was with the hosts in the closing stages of the match and Kwem sealed Chippa’s 3-0 win over Galaxy in the 89th minute with a decent finish.
The victory saw the Chilli Boys ease into the Last 16, while the defending champions, Galaxy were eliminated from the competition.
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