In a thrilling match at Orlando Stadium, Super Eagles stars Olisa Ndah and Stanley Nwabali faced off as Orlando Pirates secured a 2-1 victory over Chippa United. Ndah led Orlando Pirates as their captain in this opening fixture of the South African Premier League season.
Both Nigerian players have played key roles for their respective clubs in previous seasons, and their continued influence was highly anticipated for the new campaign.
Chippa United got off to a strong start when Abdile Jali scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute. However, Nwabali was unable to prevent Orlando Pirates from equalizing before halftime. Tshegofatso Mabasa won and converted a penalty in stoppage time to level the score.
The second half saw Orlando Pirates intensify their attack, but despite Ndah's attempts, they initially struggled to find the back of the net. Ndah’s goal attempt, though well-placed, failed to beat the goalkeeper.
Orlando Pirates’ persistent pressure eventually paid off in the final moments of the match. Monnapule Saleng scored the decisive goal, securing all three points for his team.
Despite Chippa United’s loss, Nwabali had a standout performance, making five saves, including four from close range, and was regarded as his team's best player on the field.
Ndah also delivered a commendable performance, showcasing a 95% pass accuracy and blocking two shots, contributing significantly to Orlando Pirates’ victory.
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