South African strugglers Chippa snatch last-gasp draw
Mark Mayambela's stoppage time equaliser on Friday salvaged a 2-2 home draw for lowly Chippa United against Polokwane City that denied the away side second place in the South African Premiership.
The Chippa captain slammed a cutback into the net the 92nd minute at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth to lift his club two places to 13th, while Polokwane could only slightly close the gap between them and leaders Orlando Pirates to four points.
"Conceding a late equaliser was disappointing but we have overachieved this season," said Jozef Vukusic, the Slovak coach of Polokwane.
Despite home advantage, United had to come from behind twice to achieve the second draw under Joel Masuthu since he became Chippa's third coach of the season.
"Drawing at home feels like a loss. Our old failing of not converting chances deprived us of maximum points," Masuthu said.
Ayanda Nkili nodded Polokwane ahead just after half-time and Rodney Ramagalela put City in front again with a deflected shot on 79 minutes after Rhulani Manzini had levelled for the hosts in the 58th minute.
Polokwane have to settle for third behind Orlando Pirates and Wits after the draw.
"Conceding a late equaliser was disappointing but we have overachieved this season," said Jozef Vukusic, the Slovak coach of Polokwane.
Despite home advantage, United had to come from behind twice to achieve the second draw under Joel Masuthu since he became Chippa's third coach of the season.
"Drawing at home feels like a loss. Our old failing of not converting chances deprived us of maximum points," Masuthu said.
Ayanda Nkili nodded Polokwane ahead just after half-time and Rodney Ramagalela put City in front again with a deflected shot on 79 minutes after Rhulani Manzini had levelled for the hosts in the 58th minute.
Polokwane have to settle for third behind Orlando Pirates and Wits after the draw.
Pirates have 27 points, Wits 24, Polokwane 23 and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 22 as the season approaches the halfway stage.