Kaizer Chiefs climbed above arch-rivals Orlando Pirates into second place on the Betway Premiership table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants.
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Glody Lilepo produced a thunderbolt from the right flank. What initially looked like a cross ended up looping past Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi and into the far corner, giving Chiefs the lead and ultimately the win. The strike was Lilepo’s first league goal since netting against Stellenbosch earlier this season and instantly ignited the Amakhosi fans’ excitement.
Chiefs started the game cautiously, with goalkeeper Brandon Petersen coming to the rescue on multiple occasions. Early in the match, he tipped a Sekela Sithole header over the bar and later smothered a shot from Katlego Otladisa, keeping the visitors in the game. Marumo Gallants had their chances, particularly a 33rd-minute scramble in front of goal that saw Marvin Sikhosana clear a certain goal, but Chiefs’ defence held firm.
The first half ended goalless, but Chiefs came out after the break with renewed urgency. Lebohang Maboe tested Arubi with a low drive from outside the box, while Lilepo’s persistence paid off with the decisive strike just past the hour mark. The Amakhosi made tactical changes in the latter stages, bringing on Luke Baartman and Flavio Da Silva to maintain control, while Gallants introduced Jaisen Clifford in an attempt to salvage a point. Despite late pressure, Petersen kept a clean sheet as Chiefs secured a third consecutive win across all competitions without conceding.
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The victory not only secured three points but also injected new energy into Chiefs’ title bid. With 30 points on the board, they leapfrogged Pirates, who had drawn 0-0 against Sekhukhune United, keeping the Premier League race wide open. Chiefs supporters were jubilant, chanting about the “return of the glory days” and signalling belief in a strong finish to the season.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the win marks their second in the league this year, following a CAF Confederation Cup victory over Zesco United on Sunday. It also underscores the team’s resilience on challenging pitches, with both the Ndola and Molemela Stadium surfaces proving tricky for their passing game.
As the season progresses, Chiefs will look to build on this momentum, while Lilepo’s strike will be remembered as the moment that shifted the balance in the Soweto giants’ favour.