A goal from Abel Mabaso helped Chippa United claim a narrow 1-0 victory over Free State Stars at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The encounter got off to a cagey start with both side’s trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.

The Chilli Boys produced the first opportunity of the match after 15 minutes when Thabo Rakhale was played through on goal, but the winger blazed his effort over the target.

Thabang Klaas should’ve put Stars ahead a minute later after he unleashed a strike at goal, but the midfielder’s effort sailed wide of the upright as the scoreline remained goalless.

Stars shot-stopper Badra Ali Sangare came to his sides rescue when produced a good save to deny Linda Mntambo’s goal-bound effort.

The match went into the half time interval with the scoreline locked at 0-0.

The home side came out with more intent in the second half and broke the deadlock two minutes in after Mabaso found space in the area before firing the ball into the back of the net after latching on to a pass by Mntambo.

Mntambo nearly doubled Chippa’s lead in the 56th minute when he unleashed a half-volley from outside the box, but the attackers steered his effort over the target.

Stars coach Luc Eymael then introduced Maxime Cosse to replace Makhehlene as they went in search of an equalising goal.

Ea Lla Koto had an opportunity to level matters from a free-kick, but Mohammed Anas failed to trouble Akpeyi between the sticks for Chippa.

The visitors pressed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages of the match, but Chippa managed to hold on to their one-goal lead until the final whistle to claim a vital three points at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.