Stellenbosch FC secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Chippa United in an entertaining Betway Premiership encounter, with a clinical first-half display proving decisive as the hosts climbed into the top eight.
Stellenbosch made notable adjustments to their starting XI, handing a debut to Olisa Ndah, while Genino Palace and Chumani Butsaka returned to the lineup. Chippa United also reshuffled their squad following their draw with Magesi FC, bringing in Malebogo Modise, Goodman Mosele and Asanele Bonani.
Stellies started brightly and were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa opened the scoring, finishing off a well-worked move assisted by Luthando Phili.
Just three minutes later, Mabasa doubled his tally with another composed finish, this time set up by Godswill Ekpolo, giving Stellenbosch a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Chippa United responded with urgency in the second half, making early changes and pushing higher up the pitch in search of a comeback, with Thamsanqa Magwaza coming on for Somila Ntsundwana before Justice Figareido stepped in to replace Bonani.
Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Sinoxolo Kwayiba converted from the penalty spot to halve the deficit and set up a tense finale.
In the final seconds of the match, Wonderboy Makhubu given a straight red-card for a high challenge on Mosele.Despite late pressure, Stellenbosch held firm defensively to secure all three points.
The victory strengthens their position in the league standings, while Chippa United will rue missed opportunities after a slow start proved costly.