Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returned to action for Chippa United as they lost 3-0 to rampaging Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday afternoon, www.aclsports.com reports.
The former Enyimba shot-stopper, who was stretched off in midweek’s loss to Richards Bay, returned to start the big game against the Bucaneers. Despite the initial injury scare, he was named in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s World Cup Qualifiers.
The clash with Pirates got off to a rough start for the Nigerian shot-stopper, who was guilty of a costly mistake early on. His misplaced pass gifted the visitors possession, allowing Patrick Maswanganyi to pounce and fire home the opener in the 10th minute, putting Pirates 1-0 ahead.
Just before the interval, Pirates extended their advantage when Oswin Appollis capitalised on a misplaced ball inside Chippa’s half and laid it off for Deon Hotto, who fired past Nwabali at the near post. The goal ensured the visitors went into the break with a well-earned 2-0 cushion.
After the restart, Pirates increased their intensity and earned a penalty when Makgopa was brought down inside the area. Maswanganyi, eyeing his second of the night, took responsibility from the spot, but Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Nwabali pulled off a fine save in the 50th minute.
However, Pirates eventually secured their third goal as substitute Tshepang Moremi scored with a hard and low shot, ensuring Pirates claimed a 3-0 win on the day.
The Chilli Boys remain rooted at the bottom of the standings and winless, having lost three out of their opening four matches of the new campaign. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates, who have Olisa Ndah on their roster, moved up to fifth on the log.
