Marumo Gallants Stun Kaizer Chiefs with Comeback Win at FNB Stadium
By Sello Masilo
Marumo Gallants stunned Kaizer Chiefs with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory in their Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, extending their unbeaten run and boosting their survival hopes.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa secured the crucial result thanks to goals from Trevor Mathiane and Daniel Msendami, overturning an early strike from Chiefs’ Makabi Lilepo. The victory lifts Gallants to 11th place on the Premiership log and puts them six points clear of the relegation playoff zone, continuing their impressive five-match unbeaten run in the league.
For Kaizer Chiefs, however, the afternoon brought further frustration. This result extended Amakhosi’s winless streak in the league to six matches. They remain eighth on the table, but the likes of Chippa United, Marumo Gallants, Golden Arrows, and Magesi FC are now breathing down their necks in the heated race for a top-half finish.
The match started brightly for Gallants, who made all the early attacking moves. However, Chiefs struck against the run of play in just the 10th minute. Lilepo, cutting inside from the left flank, drove into space and unleashed a powerful long-range shot. The effort, aided by a slight deflection off Vusi Sibiya, flew into the corner of the net to give Chiefs an early lead.
Despite falling behind, Gallants remained the better-looking side on the ball. They pressed Chiefs’ defence with fluid passing and sharp movement but failed to create clear-cut chances in the opening half-hour. Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was largely untroubled early on, making routine saves to keep the visitors at bay.
That changed in the final stages of the first half when Gallants’ persistence paid off. In the 41st minute, Bvuma palmed a stinging shot from Daniel Msendami straight into the path of Trevor Mathiane. The Gallants defender reacted quickly, sending a tame but well-placed shot past Bvuma to level the match at 1-1, a goal the Chiefs goalkeeper will surely want back.
Both teams made substitutions at the start of the second half to freshen things up. Chiefs introduced Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while Gallants brought on Phathutshedzo Nange.
Ngcobo’s introduction immediately added energy to Chiefs’ midfield, and he was involved in a major moment just after the hour mark. In the 64th minute, Ngcobo played a clever ball that put Wandile Duba through on goal. Duba beat Washington Arubi with his shot, but the ball cannoned off the upright. The rebound fell kindly to Ashley du Preez, but the forward was caught off guard and the ball bounced off him harmlessly for a goal kick.
Chiefs would come to regret that missed opportunity. In the 70th minute, Daniel Msendami swung in a teasing free-kick from the left flank. The ball bounced awkwardly across the penalty area and evaded everyone before sneaking into the top corner. Bvuma was left helpless as Gallants took a stunning 2-1 lead.
Desperate for an equaliser, Chiefs pushed forward in the closing stages. Substitute Edson Castillo nearly rescued a point in the 88th minute when he met Duba’s cross with a firm header, but Arubi made a brilliant save, tipping the effort over the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed a famous victory for Gallants, who continue to show remarkable resilience as the season draws to a close. The result deepens the crisis at Kaizer Chiefs, with the pressure mounting ahead of their next crucial fixture.
Amakhosi will now turn their attention to the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates next weekend at FNB Stadium, a clash that could define their season. Chiefs will need to lift their game significantly if they are to end their slump and claim bragging rights over their bitter rivals.
As for Gallants, they will enjoy a break before returning to action on 17 May when they host Chippa United, with hopes of climbing further up the table and ensuring Premiership safety.
Full Match Details:
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1
Goal: Makabi Lilepo (10’)
Starting XI: Bruce Bvuma, Dillan Solomons (Sibongiseni Mthethwa 46’), Zitha Kwinika, Happy Mashiane (Luke Fleurs 80’), Reeve Frosler, Yusuf Maart, Samkelo Zwane (Nkosingiphile Ngcobo 46’), Christian Saile, Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala (Mfundo Vilakazi 65’), Ashley du Preez (Edson Castillo 65’)
Marumo Gallants (1) 2
Goals: Trevor Mathiane (41’), Daniel Msendami (70’)
Starting XI: Washington Arubi, Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Trevor Mathiane, Vusi Sibiya, Tebogo Mabotja, Lucky Mohomi (Phathutshedzo Nange 46’), Lebohang Mabotja (Tshepo Gumede 82’), Lehlogonolo Nhlapo (Celimpilo Ngema 67’), Tumelo Khutlang (Mahlatse Makudubela 67’), Daniel Msendami (Sibusiso Mphambaniso 82’), Ranga Chivaviro (Joseph Dhludhlu 67’)
Key Statistics:
- Possession: Kaizer Chiefs 54% | Marumo Gallants 46%
- Shots on Target: Chiefs 6 | Gallants 7
- Corners: Chiefs 4 | Gallants 5
- Fouls: Chiefs 12 | Gallants 10
What’s Next:
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates – Soweto Derby – Saturday, 3 May 2025, FNB Stadium
- Marumo Gallants vs Chippa United – Betway Premiership – Saturday, 17 May 2025, Peter Mokaba Stadium
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