Chippa United © Gallo Images

Chippa United beat Santos 4-3 in a thrilling promotion play-off game at the Philippi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

At a packed venue, the game got off to an exciting and fast-paced start, with both goal keepers having to tip efforts over the bar; Santos’ chance coming from Salmaan King, while Philani nearly caught out Pa Demba Touray after five minutes.

The opening goal went the way of the home side, and came after just 10 minutes.

Mxolisi Ntshingila was the creator, weaving his magic down the right flank before crossing into the danger-zone, where Dlamini did well to sneak in and net from five yards out.

After the goal the Peoples’ Team tried to play themselves back into the game, but Chippa always looked a threat on the counter-attack.

In the 15th minute Dlamini again took up a dangerous position in the box, but this time Ntshingila could not provide the killer ball.

Andile Mbenyane then had a chance on goal, but shot straight at keeper Touray from 20-yards.

However, with 28 minutes gone Mbenyane was to get on the score-sheet, finishing with a slamming shot into the roof of the net after William Twala’shot had been parried by Touray.

But just two minutes later Santos pulled a goal back when Eleazar Rodgers stormed in at the near post to power home a header.

Following a period of possession dominance, the Peoples’ Team levelled matters in the 42nd minute when skipper Tyren Arendse volleyed in a superb effort over the head of Tashrique Goldman.

Chippa had the first chance after the break when Mbenyane sent a free kick just over the bar.

But Santos began to grow stronger, especially down the right wing where Erwin Isaacs was coming into his own.

With 20 minutes to go however it was again an open contest as Chippa upped their efforts and started to again threaten in and around the Santos goal.

Chippa got the third goal they needed in the 75th minute when Nasief Morris misjudged a back header, allowing Twala to nip in and sneak the ball past Touray.

Six minutes later and Santos’ fate was sealed as Chippa netted their fourth goal as Mbenyane combined with Mfundo Shumana for the latter to run through on goal and score with a cool finish.

There was however to be a late consolation goal for Santos in the 88th minute when Rodgers netted from the rebound after his penalty had been saved by Goldman