Sekhukhune United got back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership this week, after recording a 3-2 win over Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening.
After five minutes on the clock, there was little to separate the two sides at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, however, it was Sekhukhune United who edged the visiting outfit in the ball possession count.
After 10 minutes, Gallants managed to string a couple of passing sequences together and even created a goalscoring opportunity in the process.
Gallants continued to apply pressure as the game progressed and forced Babina Noko into committing mistakes in their own half. Having been under the cosh around the 15 minute mark, Sekhukhune held on to ward off the Gallants' swift attacking moves.
Sekhukhune United opened the scoring in the 27th minute, after forcing Gallants into making a telling error inside their penalty area.
With Gallants looking to play the ball out from the back, Sekhukhune pressed high and intercepted a pass inside the penalty box, with Ohizu being on hand to open his account for the season.
Babina Noko’s lead lasted for two minutes and were caught napping on the edge of their penalty box immediately after taking the lead. Ngema got his side back into the game after his right-footed shot on the edge of the area found the back of the net.
As the referee called time on the first 45, Sekhukhune and Gallants head into the break with a goal a piece.
In spite of Gallants getting the second half off to a bright start, Sekhukhune United took the lead in the 48th minute as Letsoalo showcased predatory instincts in the opposition penalty box.
Gallants looked to have levelled matters in the 66th minute, as Chivaviro latched onto a loose ball in the Sekhukhune area and managed to put the ball into the back of the net. However, the referee spotted an infringement on Nsabata and subsequently ruled out the effort.
In capping off a well-constructed passing move, Letsoalo completed his brace in the 77th minute as Sekhukhune secured a two-goal cushion with just over 10 minutes left on the clock.
Gallants scored a consolation goal deep into stoppage time, as Sibeko got his name on the busy scoresheet, however, it was not to be for the travelling side as Sekhukhune bagged maximum points.
FULL TIME ??
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) January 3, 2023
?9??0??+3??
Sekhukhune United FC 3??-2??Marumo Gallants FC
Great victory to start the new year.
3?? Goals
3?? Points
??????#Adibahlabe #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/I8Y787TdhO
Sekhukhune United: (1) 3 (Ohizu 27’, Letsoalo 48’ 77’ )
Marumo Gallants: (1) 1 (Ngema 29’ Sibeko 94’)
Sekhukhune United:Nsabata, Zulu (Ntiya-Ntiya 45’), Gyimah, Cardoso, Mobbie, Kabwe (Seabi 56’), Leepile, Shai (Shai 45’), Letsoalo, Mncube (Mashikinya 57’), Ohizu (Mosiatlaga 71’)
Marumo Gallants:Arubi, Mabotja, Gumede, Nkili (Manaka 84’), Khumalo, Mphambaniso, Ngema, Mdlinzo (Soumahoro 84’), Otladisa, Chivaviro, Nku (Malongoane 61’)