Stanley Nwabali reminded Chippa United just how much they still rely on him, even as tensions with his club boil in the background, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper pulled off a dramatic stoppage-time penalty save to snatch a 1-1 draw for Chippa against league leaders Sekhukhune United, in a game that looked destined to stretch Chippa’s struggles at the bottom of the South African Premier League.
Sekhukhune, unbeaten at home and sitting top with 19 points from seven matches, were overwhelming favourites.
Chippa, by contrast, came into the clash bottom of the table with just four points. But Nwabali, fresh from being dropped amid talk of “internal issues” with coach Luc Eymael, was the difference between another defeat and an unlikely point.
The match itself turned on two penalties. Chippa stole the lead early in the second half when Boy Madingwane struck in the 53rd minute. Veteran striker Bradley Grobler levelled from the spot with just under 20 minutes left.
Then came the drama. Deep into added time, Sekhukhune won a second penalty. Grobler, 37, stepped up again, only to see Nwabali dive the right way and keep the ball out. The save was as much a statement as it was a point earned: Chippa’s captain showing he remains indispensable despite his rocky relationship with management.
Eymael has admitted to a “sad” fallout with his goalkeeper, refusing to go into detail but conceding there are “internal problems” to resolve.
“One important player was not there [against Polokwane], it’s a problem we have to solve,” the coach said earlier this week. “I cannot talk about it, but it’s sad. It happens sometimes in football.”
Nwabali remains Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and was between the sticks as the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda and drew with South Africa earlier this month.
Stanley Nwabali saves last-minute penalty as Chippa United snatch point vs Sekhukhune
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