Marumo Gallants edge Chippa United with last-gasp winner

Following their Carling Knockout triumph over Sundowns, Gallants handed debuts to Ibrahim Bance and Agnikoi. Chippa, looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to Richards Bay, reintroduced Sammy Seabi and Harold Majadibodu.

Chippa started brightly, pressing early through Giovanni Philander. Gallants responded with attempts from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Bheki Mabuza, the latter forcing a sharp save from Stanley Nwabali. Ndlondlo came closest with a powerful shot that struck the upright late in the half. Still, it remained goalless at the break.

Gallants suffered an early injury blow as Goodman Mosele was stretchered off, replaced by Ayabulela Konqobe.

Coach Alexandre Lafitte's double substitution paid off when Sekela Sithole opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a deflected long-range effort that beat Nwabali off the post.

The goal gave Gallants a noticeable lift in confidence, as they began to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. New signing Kossi Adetu linked up well with Mpho Chabatsane and Ndlondlo, stretching Chippa's backline with quick passes and movement through the channels.

Despite trailing, Chippa continued to commit numbers forward. Philander remained a threat on the flanks, while Eva Nga's introduction gave them a physical presence in the box. However, several promising build-ups were let down by poor decision-making in the final third.

Chippa's persistence was finally rewarded in the 88th minute when substitute Bienvenu Eva Nga calmly finished from close range after a pinpoint cross by Boy Madingwana.

But Gallants weren't done.

In the 94th minute, Agnikoi rose highest to head home a corner from Khumbulani Ncube, sealing all three points and marking a dream debut.