Kaizer Chiefs extended their winless run to six matches in the Betway Premiership after losing 2-1 to Marumo Gallants on Saturday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Marumo Gallants
Date: 25 April 2025
Venue: FNB Stadium
Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi made three changes from the draw with Chippa United, as Happy Mashiane, Ashley du Preez and Makabi Lilepo came in for Edmilson Dove, Gaston Sirino and Pule Mmodi.
Lilepo marked his return to the starting line-up in fine style as the Congolese skipped past two challenges before rifling the ball into the top corner with a powerful strike from distance.
Scroll through the gallery above to Chiefs and Gallants in action.
Gallants, however, were by no means second best despite going behind as Gallants striker Sede Dion was proving to be a big problem for the make-shift central pairing of Zitha Kwinika and Bradley Cross, who struggled with the high-balls into the box.
The visitors deservedly got their reward five minutes before the break when Matome Mathiane bagged his second goal of the season by firing into an empty net after Bruce Bvuma could only parry Daniel Msendami's effort from distance.
Coach Nabi rang the changes at the start of the second half as Thabo Cele and Dillan Solomons made way for Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while Yusuf Maart moved to the right-back position.
Chiefs should have restored their lead on 62 minutes when Shabalala did well to play Wandile Duba through on goal, but the latter sent his effort against the upright with only Arubi to beat in the box.
The hosts were made to rue that miss as Gallants took the lead eight minutes later when Msendami's free-kick evaded every player in the box and sailed into the far corner.
Nabi's charges went close to puling themselves with four minutes later on the clock as Duba picked out substitute Edson Castilo, who rose above his marker to meet the cross but his header was kept out by Arubi as Gallants held on for the win.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 18. Solomons, 4. Kwinka, 48. Cross, 19. Mashiane, 8. Maart, 21. Cele, 42. Shabalala, 9. Du Preez, 99. Lilepo, 37. Duba.
Subs: 30. Ntwari, 35. McCarthy, 84. Miguel, 17. Castillo, 22. Matlou, 12. Ngcobo, 5. Mthethwa, 11. Potsane, 40. Morris.
Marumo Gallants: 36. Arubi, 13. Ncube, 25. Mathiane, 14. Sibiya, 21. Mabotja, 50. Nhlapo, 15. Nemtajela, 6. Mahlatsi, 8. Mokobodi, 22. Msendami, 33. Dion.
Subs: 16. Akpeyi, 34. Ndlovu, 18. Chabatsane, 14. Nange, 11. Dhludhlu, 10. Mphambaniso, 20. E.Khumalo, 66. Conde, 76. M. Khumalo.
