Following a tense affair at the Dr Molemela Stadium, Chibuike Ohizu’s late effort saw Sekhukhune United bag a 2-1 win against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.
While it appeared as though the game was headed for a 1-1 draw, Ohizu, who was introduced into the fold in the second half, inspired his side to victory in Bloemfontein.
90 + 4' Thank you Bloemfontein, for the love and the 3 points!!!!!
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) March 12, 2025
Marumo Gallants 1️⃣ - 2️⃣ SKUFC
🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/pr3dTTYTkI
Kick-off was delayed for around 45 minutes as a result of heavy rain at the popular Dr Molemela Stadium.
Gallants and Sekhukhune created a couple of scoring opportunities during the first 10 minutes of the encounter, as seen with chances manufactured by Gabadinho Mhango and Andy Boyeli.
The home side continued to apply pressure midway through the first half, with Daniel Msendami and Junior Zindoga having a go at goal from distance.
Sekhukhune thus soaked up the pressure in warding off Gallants' attacking advancements.
Gallants closed the half on a positive note, given their forward pressure, but were unable to break the deadlock as a result of Sekhukhune’s tight defence.
Sekhukhune hit the troubleshoot button at the restart, with Sipho Mbule, Chibuike Ohizu and Vusimuzi Mncube summoned from the substitutes bench.
Babina Noko took the lead five minutes into the second half with Linda Mntambo getting his name on the scoresheet.
In making the most of a set-piece situation, Mntambo found himself in the right place at the right time to head home from close range.
Gallants drew level moments after the hour-mark as second-half substitute Sede Dion added his name to the scoreboard with a header inside the six-yard box.
Both teams were susceptible under the high ball, as Rewaldo Prins and Mbule attempted to take the lead with headed efforts late on in the tie.
However, it was Sekhukhune who had the last laugh as Chibuike Ohizu scored the winning goal in the 94th minute courtesy of a close-range header following a rapid counter attack.
Another Man of the Match accolade for the no nonsense defender, Daniel Cardoso. Well played Deputy Cap! We're proud.
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) March 12, 2025
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Marumo Gallants: (0) 1 ( Dion 66’)
Sekhukhune United: (0) 2 (Mntambo 49’, Ohizu 90+4)
Marumo Gallants: Mlambo, Ncube, Rikhotso, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Sithole (Mokobodi 59’), Manaka, Nemtajela, Msendami (Prins 77’), Mhango (Sede Dion 59’), Zindoga (Nhlapo 82’)
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Letlapa, Mohamme, Cardoso, Mogaila, Mkhize (Ngakosso-Oko 82’), Mokhuoane (Mbule 46’), Makgalwa, Mntambo (Monare 65’), Mokoane (Mncube 46’), Bobwa Boyeli (Ohizu 46’)