Marumo Gallants FC suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat away to Sekhukhune United in the Premier Soccer League on Saturday 17 October. A stoppage-time winner from Bethuel Muzeu condemned the Gallants to a third consecutive league loss.
Oageng Phiri had given the hosts the lead on the half-hour mark, finishing from a Ngoanamello Rammala assist. The visitors equalised in the 78th minute through an own goal from Sekhukhune's Melusi Buthelezi. But the comeback was undone deep into added time when Muzeu struck, assisted by D'Angelo Shaheed Kazeem.
How the match unfolded
Coach R. Kanalelo set his side up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Samkele Sihlali leading the line. The Gallants dominated possession with 57% of the ball but created fewer clear chances, managing just two shots on target from twelve attempts. Sekhukhune were more clinical, testing the Gallants' defence with fourteen shots, three of which were on target.
Thatho Pheeha was booked for a foul in the 65th minute before being substituted late on. Kanalelo made four changes in the second half, introducing Katlego Otladisa, Etemesi Injili, Simo Bright Mbhele and Onke Moletshe in an attempt to change the game's momentum.
Where this leaves the team
They have taken just two points from their opening seven fixtures, with a record of zero wins, two draws and five defeats. Their goal difference stands at minus eight, having scored five and conceded thirteen.
They are now 21 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their recent form shows one draw and three losses from their last four outings, a sequence that includes defeats to Orlando Pirates and Amazulu. This recent run of zero wins, one draw and three losses extends their winless start to the season.
The defeat to Sekhukhune United follows a 2-0 home loss to Orlando Pirates on 20 September and a 1-0 defeat at Amazulu on 12 September. Their only point in this period came from a 2-2 draw with Polokwane City on 4 September.
Attention now turns to their next fixture, a home match against Siwelele on Friday, 30 October. The game at Thohoyandou Stadium kicks off at 19:30 local time and offers a chance to climb off the bottom against a side currently placed 14th. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
