Quick Read
- Kaizer Chiefs defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 on January 28, 2026, at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.
- Makabi Lilepo scored the winning goal for Kaizer Chiefs in the 70th minute.
- The victory moved Kaizer Chiefs into second place in the Betway Premiership, surpassing Orlando Pirates.
- This was Kaizer Chiefs’ third consecutive win across all competitions.
- Marumo Gallants remain at the bottom of the league standings, with their last win in October 2025.
BLOEMFONTEIN (Azat TV) – Kaizer Chiefs secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The win, powered by a decisive second-half goal from Makabi Lilepo, propelled the Amakhosi into second place in the Betway Premiership standings, allowing them to leapfrog arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and intensify their pursuit of the league title.
Lilepo’s Strike Secures Three Points
The match, a Week 16 fixture in the Betway Premiership, saw a tightly contested first half with both teams creating opportunities but failing to break the deadlock. Marumo Gallants, despite their struggles this season, put up a resilient defense, making it challenging for the visitors to find an opener. The halftime score stood at 0-0, reflecting the intensity and defensive efforts from both sides.
The breakthrough for Kaizer Chiefs came in the 70th minute when Makabi Lilepo delivered a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net and giving his team the crucial lead. This goal invigorated the Chiefs, who subsequently looked more composed and determined to control possession. Marumo Gallants, playing at home, pressed hard for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Kaizer Chiefs’ defense held firm, securing the 1-0 win and the vital three points.
According to VAVEL, Kaizer Chiefs’ starting eleven for the match included Petersen, Mako, McCarthy, Kwinika, Monyane, Ngcobo, Maboe, Shabalala, Velebayi, Lilepo, and Mayo. The team made strategic substitutions in the second half to maintain their advantage and manage the game’s tempo.
Impact on League Standings and Rivalry
The victory holds significant implications for the Betway Premiership title race. By moving into second place with 30 points, Kaizer Chiefs now sit above Orlando Pirates, who were not in action until January 31st and had drawn their previous match against Sekhukhune United. This shift in the standings has reignited the long-standing rivalry between the two Soweto giants, with Kaizer Chiefs fans reportedly celebrating their ascent.
As reported by IOL.co.za, the sentiment among Chiefs supporters was palpable, with shouts of “This one is ours!” referring to the Premiership title. The win also extended Kaizer Chiefs’ impressive run to three consecutive victories across all competitions, including a recent 1-0 win against Zesco United in the Caf Confederation Cup and a controversial 1-0 triumph over Lamontville Golden Arrows earlier in 2026. This consistent performance indicates a strong momentum building for the Amakhosi as they aim to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table.
Marumo Gallants’ Continued Struggles
For Marumo Gallants, the defeat further compounds a challenging season. The team, currently languishing at the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings, has struggled to secure points, with their last league win dating back to October 19, 2025, against Chippa United. Despite playing with determination, particularly in the first half, they were unable to convert their chances or contain Kaizer Chiefs’ attacking prowess in the decisive moments.
The Gallants’ coach, Khalil Ben Youssef, had set out a starting lineup hoping to turn their fortunes around, but the team’s inability to find the net against a strong Kaizer Chiefs side underscored their ongoing difficulties. The team will need to find a way to start accumulating points in their upcoming fixtures to avoid relegation and improve their position in the highly competitive league.
Looking Ahead
Kaizer Chiefs’ win not only boosts their league position but also provides a psychological edge over their rivals. Their improved form and ability to secure crucial victories suggest a team hitting its stride at a critical point in the season. The focus will now be on maintaining this momentum and continuing to close the gap on the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The strategic victory over Marumo Gallants highlights Kaizer Chiefs’ growing confidence and tactical discipline under pressure, signaling their serious intent to contend for the Betway Premiership title this season.