AFRICAN Warriors are now targeting the promotional play-off berth with the National First Division (NFD) title out of reach, says coach Abram "Wire" Nteo.

Warriors beat Chippa United 3-1 at Charles Mopeli Stadium in Namahadi, Free State, on Sunday to hand the Chilli Boyz their first defeat in eight league games.

Siviwe "Chippa" Mpengesi's club remain at the top of the log despite the setback.

Chippa have accumulated 45 points from 23 games and enjoy a six-point cushion over second-placed Baroka FC, who walloped Roses United 4-0 on Saturday.

"It was sweet revenge after Chippa beat us 1-0 in the first round, and I'm happy we won this time round to intensify our challenge for the promotion play-offs," said Nteo yesterday.

"It's going to be difficult for us to win the league championship, but I'm confident we have a good team to qualify for the play-offs."

Nteo has already started with preparations for tomorrow's game against rejuvenated Thanda Royal Zulu in Namahadi. "Thanda have been doing well in the last few weeks, including the weekend 2-1 win over Black Leopards, but they are coming to the slaughter house."

Veteran midfielder Lynch Pule is equally confident they will win again tomorrow.

Back to Sunday's game, Nkosinathi Myeni put Warriors 1-0 in the lead in the 60th minute. Myeni completed his brace 10 minutes later with Maliele Pule netting the third in the 87th minute. The visitors pulled one back two minutes later through George Akpabio.

Mpengesi said: "It's one of those things in soccer, it was not our day. We will bounce back."

In-form Jomo Cosmos beat Witbank Spurs 2-0 through goals by Charlton Mashumba and Lehlohonolo Nonyane at Puma Rugby Stadium on the same day.