Late Chiefs Goal Earns Draw With Gallants

Marumo Gallants’ ten men were unable to hold onto a lead as a late Kaizer Chiefs goal saw it end 1-1 in their DStv Premiership game at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

A great chance fell for Kgaogelo Sekgota in the ninth minute as he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Rashid Watenga, but his final effort let him down, and he fired high and wide.  

With their first attempt at goal, Gallants were in the lead, as Mahlatse Makudubela fired past Itumeleng Khune, after running onto a long pass from Phillip Ndlondlo, 1-0 in the 12th minute.

Dillan Solomons fired wide in the 14th minute, while Njabulo Ngcobo’s 18th-minute header was saved by Watenga.

Makudubela was off target in the 23rd minute, while at the other end Ashley Du Preez went just wide in the 40th minute.

At the break, Makudubela’s goal separated the two teams.

Early in the second half, Itumeleng Khune made a save to deny an own goal from Ngcobo, after the defender got a foot to a dangerous cross. Moments later there was a scare at the other end after Watenga fluffed his clearance, but the on-loan goalkeeper was able to save any blushes as he cleared ahead of Chiefs substitute Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana.

Ndlondo fired wide in the 52nd minute as he tried to pounce on a rebound after Makudubela’s initial effort was blocked, while Solomons’ effort in the 60th minute was always going over.

Gallants task was made harder in the 66th minute when Olivier Toure picked up a second yellow card, and they were reduced to ten men.

But those ten defended gallantly and frustrated Chiefs. Yusuf Maart slipped as he tried a shot in the 81st minute, and his attempt flew over.

But just as it looked like they could hold on, Zitha Kwinika headed in from Sekgota’s flick-on. 1-1 in the 84th though minute, with the goal standing even though replays showed Kwinika was in an offside position.

A stoppage time chance for Sicelo Hlatshwayo flew over the goal, and at full time it ended 1-1.

Gallants are still seeking their first win, but their sixth draw means they move up to 15th, while Chiefs remain 14th.

In this edition of iDiski Times Grant Margeman talks about his desire to show his worth at SuperSport United and eventually return to claim a spot at Mamelodi Sundowns. Banyana coach Desiree Ellis talks about their preperation for the World Cup and how the WAFCON gold medal has changed everything. There is also a feature putting focus on the Bafana Bafana goalkeeping conundrum. Read this and a whole lot more in the full edition below: