Stellenbosch edged Chippa United 2-1 at Athlone Stadium, with Tshegofatso Mabasa’s first-half brace proving decisive despite late drama.
The hosts started brightly and took control midway through the first half. Mabasa opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, finishing from close range after good work from Langelihle Phili. Just three minutes later, he doubled the advantage with a powerful header from an Enyinnaya Godswill delivery to make it 2-0.
Chippa struggled to respond before the break, and Stellenbosch went into half-time firmly in command.
The visitors improved after the interval and were handed a route back into the match in the 81st minute. Sinoxolo Kwayiba calmly converted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
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Chippa pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating late pressure, including a close-range header from Khaya Mfecane that narrowly missed the target in stoppage time.
The closing moments turned chaotic when Stellenbosch substitute Wonderboy Makhubu was shown a red card deep into added time for a foul, but the home side held on to secure all three points.
The result lifted Stellenbosch to eighth place on 28 points, while Chippa United remained 13th with 20 points.