Lilepo Stunner Fires Chiefs Into Second Place
Kaizer Chiefs remain firmly in the Betway Premiership title race after moving up to second place following a narrow 1–0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night.
A stunning strike from Glody Lilepo proved decisive in a closely contested encounter, lifting Chiefs to 30 points from 15 matches, just two points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
With Orlando Pirates dropping to third on 29 points, Chiefs and Sundowns have now both played two more matches than the Soweto giants.
Gallants arrived as one of the league’s best-coached sides and, alongside Sundowns and Polokwane City, were unbeaten in six home league matches heading into the fixture.
Chiefs, however, were determined to become the first team to defeat Gallants at home this season, who have already overcome Pirates and Chippa United.
The Amakhosi also came into the match unbeaten away from home, boasting three wins and two draws from five outings — a record that remained intact after this victory.
The two sides met for the 10th time, with Gallants having won only two of the previous nine encounters, while Chiefs had claimed three victories.
Chiefs knew that a win would see them leapfrog Pirates into second place, with the Buccaneers only set to play on Saturday.
Despite the stakes, the match unfolded cautiously on a humid evening in Bloemfontein, with neither side creating a clear-cut chance in the opening half. The first period ended goalless, with both teams needing to raise their intensity.
Early in the second half, Lebohang Maboe tested Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi with a powerful low drive, but the Zimbabwean was equal to the effort.
With both sides struggling to find a breakthrough, changes were made shortly after the hour mark. Chiefs introduced Siphesihle Ndlovu and Flávio da Silva, replacing Nkosi Ngcobo and Khanyisa Mayo.
Gallants responded by bringing on Ivorian Ouattara Romaric and Zambian forward Emmanuel Mwiinde, as Katlego Otladisa and Sekele Sithole made way.
The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute, when Lilepo produced a moment of brilliance. The Congolese winger dispossessed Monde Mphambaniso before unleashing a sublime strike from the far side that looped into the net, leaving Arubi stranded.
Lilepo has a habit of scoring spectacular goals against Gallants, having netted a similar effort last season at FNB Stadium after cutting inside.
He was undoubtedly Chiefs’ standout performer on the night, and his winning goal was fully deserved.
Gallants coach Lafitte Alexander later introduced club top scorer Jaisen Clifford, who had found the net when the two sides drew at FNB Stadium in September.
However, Clifford was unable to replicate his earlier heroics, as Chiefs held on for a crucial victory that keeps them firmly in the title hunt.
