Chiefs break losing run by edging Gallants

Kaizer Chiefs snapped their four-game losing streak in the DStv Premiership by defeating Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The result was secured by a fortuitous goal from Keagan Dolly and allowed the Amakhosi to climb to fourth place on the log with 42 points, keeping them in with a shot at finishing in the top three and claiming African club competition qualification for next season.

Royal AM (second, 45 points) and Cape Town City (third, 44 points) are ahead of the Soweto side and both now have a game in hand.

Bahlabane ba Ntwa, meanwhile, are placed 11th on the log with 31 points and have gone six league matches without a victory.

Gallants started brightly and missed a glaring chance to go ahead in the sixth minute. Celimpilo Ngema broke free down the right flank and played a fine cross to pick out an unmarked Mahlatse Makudubela, but the attacker failed to find an unguarded net from close range.

Keagan Dolly's long-range goal helps Kaizer Chiefs end their losing streak and bag their first home win in the #DStvPrem this year ?? pic.twitter.com/i6zak2OzMw

— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) May 3, 2022

Chiefs first threatened on 13 minutes when Khama Billiat’s corner kick delivery found the head of Siyabonga Ngezana at the near post, but the defender was unable to direct an effort on target.

The Amakhosi had another errant header in attack on the half-hour mark when Kearyn Baccus whipped in a fine cross from the right to give Bernard Parker a scoring chance, but the veteran put his attempt wide of King Ndlovu’s left-hand post.

Gallants enjoyed more ball possession through the first half, though the hosts were the more potent in attack, yet the teams settled for a 0-0 scoreline heading into the interval.

Chiefs made a double change early in the second half as they looked to spark themselves into life, with midfielder Cole Alexander and forward Leonardo Castro rising off the bench.

The hosts initially enjoyed some ascendancy in attack, creating a few promising moments, but as soon as Galaxy introduced Monde Mphambaniso, Sibusiso Sibeko and Letsie Koapeng, they were able to stem Chiefs’ dominance.

The match soon became scrappy, with neither side able to take control, but Chiefs claimed the lead through a slice of luck on 77 minutes. Keagan Dolly lined up a long-range effort and saw his shot deflect off the legs of Billiat to completely wrongfoot Ndlovu and find the back of the net.

Bahlabane ba Ntwa almost had an immediate reply with an attack down the left flank, but Koapeng was denied at close range by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, who then got to his feet and made another save from the follow-up effort by Lebohang Mabotja.

That was as close as Gallants came to finding an equaliser, with Chiefs able to hang on and claim the much-needed three points.

The teams will return to DStv Premiership action this weekend, with Gallants hosting Golden Arrows on Saturday 7 May and Chiefs welcoming champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday 8 May.

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Dolly 77’)
Marumo Gallants 0

Chiefs: Bvuma, Blom, Ngezana, Mphahlele, Frosler, Baccus (Sekgota 61’), Nange, Radebe (Alexander 52’), Parker (Castro 52’), Dolly, Billiat (Kambole 88’)

Gallants: Ndlovu, Khiba, Gumede, Nonyane, Mabotja, Molangoane (Koapeng 67’), Timm, Makudubela (Sibeko 61’), Kumalo (Mphambaniso 61’), Ndlondlo, Ngema.