Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a solid display to help his side secure a 0–0 South African PSL draw against Magesi at the Buffalo City Stadium on Tuesday night.
The result handed new head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi his first point in charge after a 3–0 loss to AmaZulu in his opening match. Despite the stalemate, the Chilli Boys remain bottom of the DStv Premiership table after 12 games.
Nwabali, who has come under scrutiny from Nigerian fans in recent weeks, responded with a composed performance his first league clean sheet since September’s goalless draw with Stellenbosch.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper finished the game with a 6.8 rating, making two saves, completing 26 of 40 passes (65%), and executing 13 throws and one sweeping action.
Stanley Nwabali celebrates with his Chippa United teammates. Photo Credit: PSL/X
He prevented 0.05 expected goals on target (xGOT) and was largely untroubled for long periods as both teams struggled in attack.
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With Tuesday’s shutout, the 29-year-old has now kept three clean sheets in 11 league appearances, conceding 16 goals this season for a Chippa side fighting to find form.
Stanley Nwabali will hope to retain his no 1 shirt in the Super Eagles ahead of World Playoffs in Rabat, Morroco. Photo Credit: CAF/X
Nwabali has faced increased pressure from fans calling for Maduka Okoye to reclaim Nigeria’s No.1 spot after the Udinese keeper earned his first Serie A clean sheet of the season last week against Atalanta.
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Despite the criticism, Nwabali’s latest performance offered a timely reminder of his reliability, even as Chippa continue to chase their first win since early October.
