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It was the battle of Nigerian stars as Stanley Nwabali and Olisa Ndah went head-to-head in South Africa.
In a dramatic start to the Betway Premiership 2024/25 season, Nigerian internationals Olisa Ndah and Stanley Nwabali found themselves on opposite sides as Orlando Pirates secured a late 2-1 victory over Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
The match showcased a battle of Nigerian talent, with centre-back Ndah representing Orlando Pirates and goalkeeper Nwabali defending Chippa United's goal.
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13:36 - 15.09.2024
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Both players featured prominently throughout the full 90 minutes, demonstrating their importance to their respective teams.
Ndah's Defensive Prowess and Nwabali's Goalkeeping Heroics
Recent history maker, Ndah, playing for the victorious Pirates, put in a solid defensive performance that helped his team secure their 400th all-time win in the Premier Soccer League.
The Nigerian defender also came close to scoring early in the game, narrowly missing the target with a looping header from a corner kick.
Despite ending up on the losing side, the Super Eagles' number one goalkeeper who was linked with a move away from his club impressed between the posts for Chippa United.
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The 28-year-old made several crucial saves throughout the match, including a notable stop in the 35th minute to deny Monnapule Saleng.
Nwabali's performance kept the Chilli Boys in the game until the final moments when Saleng finally got the better of him.
Match Highlights
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams: Chippa United took a surprise lead in the 22nd minute through Andile Jali.
But the Pirates equalised just before halftime with a penalty converted by Tshegofatso Mabasa.
The match seemed headed for a draw until Saleng's last-minute header secured the win for Pirates. While Ndah celebrated his team's victory, both Nigerian players showcased their talents on a big stage.
This performance will likely boost their standings in both club and international football, coming just days after helping the Super Eagles to a solid start in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
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