Stellenbosch FC and Chippa United shared the spoils after playing out a goalless draw in their Betway Premiership encounter on Sunday evening.

Stellenbosch FC travelled to East London this past weekend to take on Chippa United in an important tie for both clubs and their early ambitions to climb in the Betway Premiership standings.

Read | Barker’s message to Stellies’ U-20 World Cup trio

Heading into the encounter, only goal difference separated the two teams, who occupied 15th and 16th position in the log standings, respectively, after a set of challenging starts to the campaign.

Steve Barker’s troops started positively and created two notable chances in the opening 30 minutes, first through Ashley Cupido, who fired wide with a powerful effort, and then Thato Khiba, who could only direct his shot straight at Stanley Nwabili.

It ultimately proved to be a half of few chances, however, as the score remained goalless by the time the referee blew his whistle to signal for half-time.

Following the restart, Stellies fashioned the first opportunity of the second stanza when Devin Titus broke clear and set Cupido through in a swift counter-attack, but the striker’s attempt was blocked by some good cover defending.

As the game wore on, Titus and Chippa United’s Bienvenu Eva Nga both came close to scoring at opposite ends as the two teams began to push forward in search of a late winner.

That decider almost fell to the hosts when substitute Khaya Mfecane directed a header goalbound, but Stellies ‘keeper and captain Sage Stephens showed good concentration and composure in goal to keep the scores level.

Read | Stellenbosch to play Chiefs in Carling Knockout Round of 16

Mfecane’s effort was the last notable moment of the ninety minutes as Stellenbosch and Chippa United settled for a share of the spoils.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Enyinnaya (Mokobodi 63′), Stanic, Mcaba, Mdaka, Mthiyane, Khiba (Butsaka 76′), Titus (Barns 82′), De Jong, Cupido (Mojela 63′), Khanyi (Lekoloane 76′)