Marumo Gallants stuttered in their attempt to escape the Betway Premiership relegation zone once more this week after recording a frustrating 1-1 draw with TS Galaxy at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.
In what was virtually another must-win encounter for Gallants, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 17th minute as they targeted a return to the winning column. However, a 35th-minute equaliser by Saluleko Mahlambi meant that Gallants remained in the relegation playoff position (15th) after the match, one point adrift from safety.
Following a slow start to proceedings in Bloemfontein, Veluyeke Zulu created the first notable chance of the match after letting off a right-footed shot inside the area that the opposing goalkeeper saved.
Gallants fought back through Msindisi Kunene in the 14th minute after Ndlondlo picked him out leading up to the box.
The home side were awarded a penalty three minutes after Kunene’s attempt when Sedwyn George was penalised for a handball infringement inside the area. Stepping up to the spot, Ndlondlo put the ball into the back of the net with a timely right-footed finish.
Then, following a series of near misses by Galaxy, the Rockets drew level through Mahlambi in the 35th minute via a close-range finish on the edge of the six-yard area, moments after Veluyeke Zulu's headed effort was stopped following a dangerous cross by Siyanda Xulu into the mixer.
Galaxy remained on the front foot early in the second half, as Sedwyn George showcased his side’s aerial superiority with a well-taken header in the 55th minute that Kagiso Mlambo saved.
Gallants battled to get into the game midway through the second half, while their troubles were compounded after Mbhazima Rikhotso received his marching orders for a bad foul.
The Rockets continued to rack up goal-scoring chances toward the final whistle, while Gallants battled to progress the ball upfield positively. While players such as Jaisen Clifford and Bheki Mabuza looked lively going forward, Gallants often fell short at the final hurdle as the game eventually ended in a stalemate.
Marumo Gallants: (1) 1 (Ndlondlo 17’ Pen)
TS Galaxy: (1) 1 (Mahlambi 35’)
Marumo Gallants: Mlambo, Rikhotso, Nhlapho, Ntiya-Ntiya, Mbhele, Manaka, Ndlovu (Sikhosana 73’), Sithole (Clifford 73’), Ndlondlo, Otladisa (Mabuza 53’)
TS Galaxy: Tape, Mahlambi, Mncwango, Zulu, Motaung, Xulu, Mvelase (Maduna 46’), Mbunjana (Mgaga 87’), Kakora (Nkosi 63’), George, Zindoga (Letsoalo 87’)