Nigerian International Stanley Nwabali produced a crucial stoppage-time penalty save to help struggling Chippa United hold league leaders Sekhukhune United to a 1-1 draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Boy Madingwane had given the Chilli Boys a surprise lead in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range after good work by Justice Figuareido.
But Sekhukhune hit back with 11 minutes to play as Bradley Grobler converted from the spot for his sixth goal in eight league games.
The drama was not over, though. Deep into added time, Sekhukhune were awarded a second penalty a chance to snatch all three points and extend their lead at the top of the table.
Stanley Nwabali after saving Grobler’s penalty. Photo Credit: PSL/X
Grobler stepped up again, but Nwabali guessed correctly and pulled off a huge save to deny him and rescue a point for Chippa.
The Nigeria international had been relatively untested for much of the game, with Sekhukhune failing to make the most of their dominance in the first half despite 11 touches in the box and several half-chances.
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But when called upon, Nwabali stood tall, frustrating Eric Tinkler’s side at the death.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper had been absent from the squad in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Polokwane City, sparking speculation about his future at the club.
Chippa United coach Luc Eymael later admitted there were “internal issues” involving Nwabali but refused to go into detail.
“We have to deal with some internal issues that are happening,” the Belgian said. “You saw that one important player [Nwabali] was not there today. It’s a problem we have to solve.”
Stanley Nwabali. Photo Credit: Chippa United/X
Pressed further, Eymael declined to explain the reasons for the omission, adding:
“I cannot talk about that; I prefer not to talk about it to the media. First, we have to solve the problem internally.”
Nwabali responded with a commanding display on his return, making a vital stop from Shaun Mogaila in the second half before his dramatic late penalty save denied Grobler a winner.
For Sekhukhune, the result keeps them unbeaten this season with six wins and two draws, and they remain two points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit.
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Meanwhile, Chippa stay 15th, but will take confidence from the resilience shown in against League leaders.
