Gallants edge Chippa United 2-1 to climb to position 10 in Premiership. Image: OFM/Morgan Piek.
(The Post News)- Marumo Gallants moved up to 10th position on the Betway Premiership table after a spirited 2-1 victory over Chippa United at home in Bloemfontein.
The team from Bloemfontein, who had been having trouble staying consistent in recent games, needed the boost from the victory. However, Chippa United is still dragging itself down at the bottom of the rankings. With only one victory in their ten games this season, they are still in last position and facing increasing pressure.
With victories over the Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay, Gallants had a strong start to their PSL campaign. However, they lost to local rivals Siwelele by a slim margin of 1-0 prior to the international break, and their form declined in the weeks that followed.
Gallants’ Return After 2 Weeks of No Action
After two weeks off from league action, the Gallants returned feeling rejuvenated and more prepared, and they started the game with a bang. They dominated possession and launched a number of early attacks, setting up multiple scoring opportunities. Stanley Nwabali, the custodian for Chippa United, put on a strong display, though, and made a number of crucial stops to deny the home team an early lead.
Even though they were under a lot of pressure, Chippa managed to survive the initial storm, eventually adapted to the game, and started their own counterattacks.
Sekela Sithole quietly scored a well-worked goal to give Gallants the lead ten minutes into the second half, marking the final breakthrough. It appeared as though the home team would win all three points, but with only minutes remaining, Chippa’s late goal from Bienvenu Eva Nga tied the score.
But Gallants would not be deterred. They capitalized on a set-piece opportunity in stoppage time, hitting a thrilling goal to complete the 2-1 victory and raise the home crowd in jubilation.
Gallants will concentrate on the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals after securing this important victory. At the end of the month, they will take on Stellenbosch FC in an attempt to maintain their comeback in league and cup play.
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