Mxolisi Macuphu scores twice as Royal AM earn a point against Chippa United

Durban — Mxolisi Macuphu scored two goals as Royal AM came back from two goals down to rescue a point against Chippa United at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Saturday afternoon.

After a bright start by Thwihli Thwahla, The Chilli Boys grabbed the lead against the run of play in the 19th minute through a moment of genius.

Chippa played a short corner that caught the Royal AM defence unaware, after entering the penalty, Siphelele Luthuli drilled a low cross towards Veluyeke Zulu who tapped in from close range.

Four minutes later, they doubled their advantage through a horrible miscontrol by Thabo Matlaba.

Bienvenu Eva Nga raced away from the halfway line after pouncing on Matlaba’s bad first touch. He did well to hold off defenders and set up Luthuli who drilled home with just Nyame to beat and put Chippa 2-0 up.

Macuphu couldn’t believe his luck as an error by Chippa goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali presented him with an opportunity to tap into an open goal in the 30th minute.

Mtshali bundled what should’ve been an easy catch and left the ball dropping behind him. Macuphu, who was lurking was quickest to the ball and halved his side’s deficit to 2-1.

Royal AM’s number nine completed his brace and his side’s comeback late in the 90th minute.

Second half substitute, Mfundo Thikazi burst into the Chippa box and located Macuphu in the between a congested area, the former TS Galaxy man guided his shot on target and rescued a point for the visitors.

Relegation candidates Chippa made two changes ahead of this encounter as Maloisane Ramasimong and Thokozani Sekotlong came in for Aboubacar Sangare and the suspended Siphesihle Mkhize.

Royal AM coach , John Maduka named an unchanged lineup from the one that edged victory