Aces end final home game with a draw
Aces' pressure eventually paid off after quick passing and excellent off-the-ball running led to Nonyane finding the back of the net from close range, with a delightful chip over the keeper.
Mpumalanga Black Aces secured their third draw in a row in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday night. Their last home game of the season, against Chippa United, ended 1-1. This was a match of missed opportunities for Aces as they could have easily had a two-goal advantage before half time.
Chippa United, which are currently fighting relegation in 16th place on the log, had the perfect start when poor defence from Aces led to Chippa opening the scoring in the ninth minute.
Edward Manqele rose above the Aces defence to header home. This had the Chippa United bench on their feet in applause.
The celebration was short-lived however as Aces started to focus on keeping possession and used the full width of the pitch, with Aubrey Ngoma and Lehlohonolo Nonyane attacking from the wings.
For the next 20 minutes Aces bombarded the Chippa defence with attack after attack only to be thwarted by good defence or poor finishing.
Aces’ pressure eventually paid off after quick passing and excellent off-the-ball running led to Nonyane finding the back of the net from close range, with a delightful chip over the keeper.
Collins Mbesuma had a number of good chances to grab the lead but failed to beat Chippa United keeper, Tshepo Motsoeneng.
Mbesuma’s best chance came when he had an open net in front of him but an heroic block from Chippa United’s defender stopped the ball from crossing the line.
Aces’ Bongo Jayiya was also unlucky as his thunderbolt shot also hit the crossbar minutes before the half-time break.
The second half had the same pattern as the first, with Aces pressing for the winning goal.
Abia Nale was also introduced, replacing Dino Ndlovu who had a lacklustre match.
Nale along with fellow substitute Tshediso Tukane added some life to Aces’ attack but could not break down Chippa’s defence.
In the end both teams had to settle for a point each which leaves Aces in a safe 12th place on the log while Chippa will now need to up their game in order to avoid relegation from the PSL.
