Highlands Park welcomed a visit from Chippa United to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday and took their chances to seal a hard-fought victory. 

The Telkom Knockout contest got off to a feisty start as both sides looked to lay down an early marker, subsequently resulting in numerous free kicks in the opening passage of play.

The opening goal came with just about the first genuine attack of the game. Collins Mbesuma of Highlands scored in the 10th minute as he fired home a left-footed shot following the unsuccessful clearance of a Marc Van Heerden free kick.

Chippa did not look disheartened by conceding and were soon threatening with an attack of their own as Andile Mbenyane fired wide after 14 minutes of play.

Chippa continued to look the more threatening side over the following period of play as they had a number of attacks break down due to offside calls. The side then threatened with a succession of corners, but struggled to create any clear-cut openings as the game wore on.

At half-time the score remained 1-0 to Highlands.

The second half quickly resembled the pattern of the first as both sides struggled to create openings while the rhythm of the game was halted by a series of fouls.

Chippa’s best chance of an equaliser was looking most likely to come off a set piece as the Chilly Boys threatened with a succession of corners once again, but proved unable to make them count.

Highlands had a rare venture forward in the 66th minute but it all came to nothing as Van Heerden’s cross was easily dealt with.

With time running out in the contest, Edwin Sitayitayi struck to give Highlands a 2-0 lead with 75 minutes played. The forward fired home after he had been played in by Mothobi Mvala.

The second goal proved decisive and at the final whistle it was Highlands who ensured their progression to the quarter finals.