Kaizer Chiefs missed out on a top eight finish after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Chippa United on the final day of the Absa Premiership season, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Amakhosi came into their final league encounter after sharing the spoils with Free State Stars in their penultimate game of the season following their 1-1 draw at the Mbombela Stadium last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Chili Boys boosted their survival after claiming a 3-1 victory over Polokwane City in their last league match.

In the last meeting between the two sides, Chiefs came out on top after securing a 4-2 victory over Chippa in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

The home side came out with intent and looked the more livelier side in the opening exchanges of the match.

The Chili Boys were dealt a major blow in the ninth minute after Tebogo Makobela came out the worst in a challenge with Teenage Hadebe and was forced off the field after sustaining a suspected broken leg. He was subsequently replaced by Frederic Nsabiyumva.

Khama Billiat nearly put his side ahead in the 12th minute when he struck the upright after finding space to shot with Chippa keeper Mbongeni Mzimela well-beaten.

However, Chippa grabbed the lead after 31 minutes after Rhulani Manzini beat his markers to slot the ball home from close range.

Amakhosi pressed forward in the closing stages of the first half but failed to create any clear-cut chances in the final third.

The home side came out better in the second half with Williard Katsande conjuring up the first chance of the half.

Mzimela came to his sides rescue after 60 minutes when he made a good save to deny Billiat’s goal-bound shot.

Billiat had another chance to level matters five minutes later after curling his effort towards goal, but Mzimela tipped his strike over the bar before Leonardo Castro headed his effort inches over the target moments later.

Kurt Lentjies had a chance to double his sides lead in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a snap shot at goal, but could only blaze his effort over the target.

Mzimela once again kept his sides lead intact in the 86th minute after producing a great save to Dumisani Zuma’s shot on target.

Amakhosi pressed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stages of the game, but Chippa held on to the one-goal lead to snatch all three points at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.