Marumo Gallants came from behind to earn a 1–1 draw against Sekhukhune United at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo once again the man for the big moment.
The first half was cagey but competitive, with both sides trading half-chances. Gallants went close through Katlego Otladisa and Monde Mphambaniso, while Sekhukhune threatened via Vuyo Letlapa and Bradley Grobler. However, neither team could find the breakthrough before the interval, and it ended goalless at the break.
Sekhukhune struck almost immediately after the restart. A clever move in the 46th minute saw substitute Ellis Rammala, who had just replaced Daniel Cardoso, find space in the box and finish calmly with his left foot into the bottom-right corner after good work from Vusimuzi Mncube.
Gallants responded well to going behind and steadily cranked up the pressure. Their persistence was rewarded in the 65th minute when Ndlondlo arrived in the right channel and drilled a low right-footed effort beyond Toaster Nsabata after being picked out by Otladisa.
The hosts pushed for a winner late on, with Ndlondlo again going close with a header and Jaisen Clifford flashing a chance wide on the counter. At the other end, Washington Arubi – who was booked in the second half – stood firm, saving well from Bright Ndlovu in stoppage time.
In a match littered with tough tackles and multiple yellow cards, neither side could find the decisive blow, and the points were ultimately shared in Bloemfontein.
Line-ups
Marumo Gallants
Starting XI:
36 Washington Arubi (GK); 18 Mpho Chabatsane, 13 Khumbulani Ncube, 55 Eroine Agnikoi, 35 Marvin Sikhosana;
50 Siyabonga Nhlapo, 26 Christopher Sekela Sithole, 39 Bheki Mabuza, 44 Ibrahim Bancé, 12 Katlego Otladisa;
15 Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
Substitutes:
8 S. Mbhele, 33 Katekani Mhlongo, 9 Jaisen Clifford, 10 Monde Mphambaniso, 5 Diala Manaka,
4 Lebohang Mabotja, 27 Teboho Motloung, 22 Daniel Msendami, 16 Kagiso Mlambo.