Kaizer Chiefs Climb to Second After Lilepo Wonder Goal Sinks Gallants

Kaizer Chiefs continued their impressive run in the Betway Premiership after securing a vital 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, January 28. The result pushed Amakhosi up to second place on the league table, underlining their growing consistency as the season gathers pace.

A moment of brilliance from Glody Lilepo in the second half proved decisive. The Congolese winger produced a stunning strike on 67 minutes to separate the sides and hand Chiefs a crucial three points. The win moved Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef’s team one point above Orlando Pirates and just two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, keeping the title race firmly alive.

Marumo Gallants, also known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, came into the match under pressure after a 2-0 loss to TS Galaxy. That defeat extended their winless league run to five matches, and the setback against Chiefs means they have now lost three of their last five games. Gallants remain 13th on the standings, three points above Chippa United, who recently climbed off the bottom of the table.

Kaizer Chiefs, by contrast, arrived in Bloemfontein full of confidence. A narrow 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in their previous outing had stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches, and they were chasing back to back league victories. That momentum was clear from the opening minutes.

The first half was evenly balanced, but Chiefs showed early intent. Lilepo fired wide after just three minutes, while Asenele Velebayi came close moments later with a shot that flew inches over the crossbar. Gallants responded on 10 minutes when Sekela Sithole met Bheki Mabuza’s cross with a header that forced Brandon Petersen into action.

Gallants continued to probe, with Sithole missing the target again shortly afterwards. Petersen was busy, producing another save on 28 minutes to deny Katlego Otladisa’s long range effort. Chiefs almost broke the deadlock before the interval when Lilepo’s goal bound attempt was cleared off the line by Marvin Sikhosana in the 33rd minute, keeping the score level at halftime.

The Glamour Boys started the second half with renewed energy. Lebo Maboe tested Washington Arubi with a powerful shot from distance on 53 minutes, signaling Chiefs’ attacking intent. Gallants defended bravely, but they could not contain Lilepo forever.

The breakthrough arrived on 67 minutes and it was worth the wait. Lilepo collected the ball on the right flank, beat Lebohang Mabotja with skill and composure, then curled a sublime shot over Arubi into the top left corner. The goal silenced the home crowd and highlighted Chiefs’ confidence and quality in key moments.

Chiefs suffered a setback late in the match when Lilepo was stretchered off with an injury 13 minutes after scoring. Despite the blow, the visitors managed the game well and almost doubled their lead at the death, with Flavio Silva flashing a shot across the face of goal.

The final whistle confirmed a hard fought but deserved victory for Kaizer Chiefs. Their rise to second place reflects a team growing in belief and structure, while Marumo Gallants will need a swift response to halt their slide and climb away from the danger zone.

Final Score
Marumo Gallants 0
Kaizer Chiefs 1
Scorer: Lilepo 67′

Marumo Gallants Line Up
Washington Arubi, Khulekani Ncube, Enoch Agnikoi, Marvin Sikhosana, Lebohang Mabotja, Sekela Sithole, Ismael Bance, Masindi Mpambaniso, Bheki Mabuza, Pule Ndlondlo, Katlego Otladisa.

Kaizer Chiefs Line Up
Brandon Petersen, Thabo Monyane, Zitha Kwinika, Aden McCarthy, Pule Mako, Lebo Maboe, Njabulo Ngcobo, Glody Lilepo, Mduduzi Shabalala, Asenele Velebayi, Khanyisa Mayo.