The Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League club, Marumo Gallants, are on a three-match unbeaten run ahead of next week’s all-important Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Stellenbosch FC.
On Sunday, Marumo claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Chippa United in Bloemfontein. It looked as though the two sides would have to settle for a share of the points, but a last-gasp goal in stoppage time by debutant Eroine Agnikoi from Ivory Coast sealed the win and all three points.
The Chilli Boys started the game at an incredible tempo and were the first to test their opponents’ defence. However, after weathering the early pressure, Marumo gradually grew into the game and began to dominate proceedings. The only thing missing from their impressive first-half display was goals, despite creating several good opportunities.
The teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
In the second half, the visitors from the Eastern Cape increased their attacking intent and looked more threatening in front of goal, but the Marumo defence, marshalled by Agnikoi and the hard-working Marvin Sikhosana, held firm.
The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark when Christopher Sithole’s powerful strike took a ricochet off a defender and off the left upright before finding the back of the net to give Gallants a 1-0 lead.
With time running out, Chippa piled on the pressure and were eventually rewarded when Cameroonian striker Bienvenu Eva Nga equalised in the 88th minute.
But Marumo weren’t done yet. In the 94th minute, Agnikoi rose highest to meet a perfectly weighted Khumbulani Ncube corner, thumping home a powerful header to snatch the win at the death.
Marumo captain and goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, told Bloemfontein Courant that the victory was a testament to his team’s character and the support of their fans.
“It was all about belief today – we really wanted to win this game and pick up three points. I’m proud of the effort from the guys,” said the Zimbabwean international, who recently kept a clean sheet against Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“If you keep going, even when things don’t go your way, that’s what matters. I also want to thank the fans – they pushed us when we equalised and again when we scored the winner.”
Gallants’ next assignment is on Wednesday, 29 October, when they host Stellenbosch FC at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals. – MORGAN PIEK
