Durban City maintained their winning start to the Betway Premiership season after securing a late 1-0 win over Chippa United on Wednesday evening.
The Chilli Boys were unchanged from their encouraging 1-1 draw against champions Mamelodi Sundowns, while City brought in Kyle Jurgens and Jean Lubumba in place of Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Joslin Kamatuka following their win over TS Galaxy.
Chippa managed to end a six-game losing streak in the league to Sundowns with that result, while they also scored their first goal against the Brazilians since 2023.
Gavin Hunt's charges nearly got off to the perfect start when Haashim Domingo almost marked his birthday with a goal as his powerful effort from distance crashed against the upright.
Other than Domingo's powerful effort, it proved to be relatively quiet from both sets of attacks for the remainder of the first half as both goalkeepers were barely tested.
With both sides struggling to carve out chances, City made a double change after the hour mark by introducing Kamatuka and Saziso Magawana while the Chilli Boys brought on new signing Bandile Dlamini for Asanele Bonani.
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, substitute Kamatuka popped up with the winning goal two minutes from time by turning home a low cross at the far post to open his account for the season.
The win takes Hunt's charges top of the table, level on points with Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United.
City will get a taste of their first top-flight derby next week when they host Golden Arrows, while Chippa take on winless TS Galaxy.
Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
Durban City: Keet, De Kock, Mkhize, Ncanana, Maphathe, Jodwana, Jurgens, Maseko, Mokwena, Domingo, Lubumba
Chippa United: Nwabali, Sithole, Kammies, Modise, Bonani, Ndlovu, Mfecane, Matrose, Seabi, Mosele, Konqobe.
