Kaizer Chiefs’ quest for consistency hit another stumbling block as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by a resilient Marumo Gallants side at a damp FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Glamour Boys, who took the lead through debutant Khanyisa Mayo, were left to rue a missed penalty and a stout defensive display from the visitors, who clawed their way back into the contest with a stunning late equaliser from Jaison Clifford.
The match ignited from the first whistle, with Ashley Du Preez seeing an early effort blocked and Gallants’ Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo responding with a speculative long-range effort. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Chiefs struggled to break down a well-organised Gallants defence for much of the first half.
The breakthrough finally came six minutes before the interval. A clever, glancing pass from the lively Du Preez found Mayo in space, and the new signing made no mistake from close range, slotting home to mark his first start with a goal.
Chiefs had a golden opportunity to double their lead just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty. However, Gallants’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi emerged as the hero, diving to his left to parry Gaston Sirino’s spot-kick and keep his team in the game.
The second half saw Gallants grow in confidence. After absorbing sustained pressure, they struck back in the 75th minute in spectacular fashion. Clifford, freshly substituted onto the pitch, received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a perfect right-footed curler that sailed past a helpless Brandon Peterson.
The Soweto giants pushed for a winner in the dying moments, with substitute Thabo Cele’s long-range effort whistling just wide, but they couldn’t find a way past a resolute Gallants side, who held on for a well-deserved point. The result leaves Chiefs reflecting on what might have been, while Gallants will celebrate a hard-fought away draw built on determination and a moment of pure quality.
Line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Peterson, Mayo (Lilepo 59’), Macheke, Miguel, Cross, Mthethwa, Ndlovu (Cele 46’), Frosler, Mako (Mmodi 82’), Du Preez (Ngcobo 82’), Sirino (Shabalala 59’)
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Mabotja, Chabatsane, Sikhosana, Mhlongo (Ncube 82’), Mphambaniso (Motloung 73’), Nhlapo, Sithole, Mabuza (Khumalo 78’), Ndlondlo (Sithole 83’), Msendami (Clifford 72’)
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