Stanley Nwabali earns 6.4 rating after costly error in Chippa United defeat

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was given a rating of 6.4 after a mistake contributed to his side’s 3-0 home defeat by South African champions Orlando Pirates.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper had looked assured during the opening half at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, saving all three shots that were on target from the 13 attempts faced. However, his performance changed after the break as Orlando Pirates increased the pressure and eventually took control of the match.

Nwabali, who returned to Chippa United in the summer following a lengthy absence last season, has since reclaimed his place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He had started the Chilli Boys’ opening two league matches of the campaign, both of which ended in draws against Golden Arrows and Richards Bay.

The visit of Orlando Pirates represented a considerably more difficult test, with the reigning champions dominating large periods of the contest.

Nwabali was called into action again four minutes after half-time, making a save in the 49th minute. But he was unable to prevent Pirates from taking the lead in the 60th minute.

A neat passing move in the final third opened up space for Gamphani Lungu inside the Chippa United penalty area. Lungu directed his effort towards the bottom-right corner, with Nwabali appearing to be well placed to deal with the shot.

The goalkeeper got a hand to the ball, but could not hold it. The effort went through his grasp and bounced into the net to give Orlando Pirates the advantage.

That error appeared to have a damaging effect on Chippa United. Four minutes later, Pirates doubled their lead when Lebone Sema rose to meet a corner and headed the ball past Nwabali, who had no chance of stopping the effort.

Orlando Pirates continued to create opportunities as the match progressed and completed the scoring in the 87th minute.

Daniel Msendani won possession from a Chippa United defender in a dangerous position before advancing into a one-on-one situation with Nwabali. The 25-year-old South African striker kept his composure from close range and finished to make it 3-0.

According to Sofascore, Nwabali made five saves during the game, recorded an 87% passing accuracy and completed two clearances. His overall rating was 6.4 out of 10.

Despite making several saves, the goalkeeper’s failure to keep out Lungu’s effort proved to be the key moment of the match. Chippa United had been competing against the champions, but the opening goal gave Orlando Pirates the momentum to add two more.

The defeat was Chippa United’s first of the season. Nwabali and his team-mates will now look to respond when they face Siwele in their next league match on 25 August.