Only three days after their triumph over Pretoria Callies in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, Chippa United were brought back down to earth in DStv Premiership play by a well-organized Baroka side, losing 1-0 at home on Tuesday. The Chilli Boys are now deep into a relegation battle and the result does them no favors as they continue to sit two points adrift. In the later match Swallows FC drew Bloemfontein Celtic 1-1 and each team now has four draws in their last five matches.
In an even affair, Baroka took advantage of a massive error in judgment from Chippa goalkeeper Rashid Watenga in the 41st minute to obtain the game’s only goal. Watenga attempted to pass through a tight window but it was intercepted by Baroka midfielder Goodman Mosele, who easily slid his shot underneath the Ugandan keeper. Chippa had their best chance to equalize in the 73rd when Burundian defender Frederic Nsabiyumva’s flicked header found Gragory Damons, but Damons sent his volley into the side netting.
A goal for each team in the span of five minutes decided Bloem Celtic and Swallows FC’s match later on. Chances were scarce in the first-half with the hosts looking more likely to score, but lacking any real threat against a Swallows side known for their defense. Like Tuesday’s earlier match, the game was sparked into action by a 55th minute goalkeeper error when Bloem Celtic’s Sipho Chaine made a pass right to Kgaogelo Sekgota, who took the ball down and shot past a retreating Chaine. Five minutes later the hosts responded to share the points courtesy of a deflected Neo Maema shot.
Swallows are now in fifth place in the league table while Bloem Celtic sit in 11th. Highlights of both games are below.
Chippa United 0-1 Baroka FC
Bloemfontein Celtic 1-1 Swallows FC