In their Safa Sasol Women's League match at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday, Chippas Ladies came back from a half-time 0-1 deficit to beat the stubborn Botlokwa Ladies 3-2.
Chippas were lucky not to concede an avalanche of goals during the first half. The visitors displayed entertaining football, with Chippas running for cover. Botlokwa threatened to score in the 14th minute. Sophie Masupa watched in disbelief as her volley hit the crossbar and bounced outside the field of play for a goal kick.
Things turned against the home side in the 27th minute. Jomo Malowa caught the Chippas keeper, Nyiko Mafanela, napping and beat her with a long-range ground cutter. Chippas gained momentum towards the end of the first half. Kholani Mukhuwana dribbled past three defenders in a row and shot wide from close range.
It took Chippas 56 minutes to open their account. Kholani Mukhuwana forced her way through the defence of Botlokwa and dished a square pass to Gudani Nephalama, who was in a perfect scoring position. Nephalama headed home after the keeper of Botlokwa mishandled the ball.
Maite Tloukimang of Botlokwa was reprimanded with a card for a late tackle on Salome Nndwa in the 59th minute. Botlokwa were awarded a free kick in the 35-meter area seven minutes thereafter. Mashalane Makwena scored from the set piece with a volley.
The Botlokwa Ladies fought the last 20 minutes with their hands tied behind their backs. Their midfielder, Maite Tloukimang, was given her marching orders, following a second bookable offence. Chippas capitalised by scoring the equaliser. Mokgadi Senyolo blasted in a rocket after a rebound.
Holani Mukhuwana scored the third for Chippas six minutes before the final whistle. Kholani Mukhuwana beat the keeper with a half volley.