Baroka recorded a 1-0 win at relegation-threatened Chippa United in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
After their Nedbank Cup semi-final success, Chippa made three changes to their starting XI with Gregory Damons, Maloisane Mokhele and Bienvenu Eva Nga getting a recall back into the side while Denwin Farmer started ahead of Thamsanqa Masiya.
Motivated by their progression into the Nedbank Cup final, the Chilli Boys started the game brilliantly and were in charge of the game in the early exchanges but they almost found themselves 1-0 down. Richard Mbulu latched onto a long throw-in inside box but his attempted over-head kick went wide of the mark in the 20th minute.
The best chances kept coming for the visitors, Kgodiso Monama soon had a big chance of his own after some excellent build-up play with Gerald Phiri Junior, which allowed the former to race through on goal but his effort was saved by Ismail Watenga.
Watenga’s horrible error before the break left Siyabulela Gwambi’s men behind. His attempted pass from the defensive third was intercepted by Goodman Mosele, who slotted home calmly for the game’s opener.
After the break, Chippa United came out firing in the opening half of the second stanza, with Chidi Kwem’s drive at goal sailing slightly over the bar as they kept searching for the equalizer.
With no more time left to play for, Gwambi introduced Anthony Laffor and Mduduzi Sibeko for Luvuyo Phewa and Thamsanqa Sangweni as the home side kept probing for the equalizer.
In the final moments of the game, an un-marked Frederic Nsabiyumba fluffed the chance to draw his side level as his header went inches wide of the mark.
Mosele’s strike was enough for Matsimela Thoka’s side to go up to eighth on the DStv Premiership log while the Chilli Boys remain winless in their last ten league games and two points adrift of safety.
After their first win in five games, Baroka will be aiming to keep up when the momentum when they travel to take on Moroka Swallows next week Thursday. For Chippa, relegation fears continue to grow and they now face another tough game next as they welcome Golden Arrows on Sunday.