Stellenbosch FC outclassed Chippa United 2-0 in a Betway Premiership match played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday evening.
First-half goals from Ashley Cupido and Devon Titus saw the Maroons secure a second league win of the season and rise to third place on the log, five points adrift of the pace set by co-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
As for the Chilli Boys, this second defeat of the season drops them to sixth spot. They are level with Stellies, Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City on seven points, but have played at least a game more and have the worst goal difference (-1) of the quartet.
Stellenbosch started strongly and created a great chance for Cupido as early as the fourth minute, but the striker was denied by a brave save from Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The visitors had further chances via Titus and Fawaaz Basadien in the opening quarter – neither of which they capitalised on – while the hosts went close via a glancing header at a corner kick from Thabang Moloa just before the half-hour mark.
On 31 minutes the Maroons broke the deadlock, with Titus providing a wonderful cross from the right to pick out Cupido, who had a relatively easy finish at close range for his first goal of the season.
Twelve minutes later the Cape side doubled their advantage, as Sanele Barns sent Titus in on goal on a counter attack, and the winger powered into the penalty area before coolly picking his spot in the corner of the net for 2-0.
The Chilli Boys made a triple change at the start of the second half, introducing Aphelele Teto, Siphelo Baloni and Malebogo Modise off the bench.
And they threatened a goal on 51 minutes when Teto sent in a good cross from the left for Bienvenu Eva Nga, but the burly striker, under pressure from a defender, skewed his effort off target.
Chippa had further chances late in the game, with Modise firing a fine effort on target direct from a free kick on 81 minutes, only to be denied by a fine save from Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Two minutes later Teto provided another good delivery from the left to find fellow substitute Elmo Kambindu, but the Namibian headed wide of the mark – spurning the last clear chance to bring the hosts back into the game.
The teams will return to Betway Premiership on Saturday, 26 October, with Stellenbosch away to Richards Bay and Chippa United at home to Golden Arrows.
Chippa United 0
Stellenbosch FC (2) 2 (Cupido 31’, Titus 43’)
Chippa: Nwabali, Kammies, Makhele, Moloa, Ntsabo (Modise 46’), Sithole (Teto 46’), Jali (Kambindu 75’), Kwayiba (Baloni 46’), Martin (Mqokoza 75’), Konqobe, Eva Nga
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Jurgens, Toure, Moloisane, Basadien, Adams (Butsaka 67’), Nduli (Palace 82’), Barns, Titus (Phili 67’), De Jong (Jabaar 67’), Cupido (Mini 78’)