On Saturday, Gallants missed a penalty and conceded one as well, ultimately dropping two valuable points in their 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows in Bloemfontein. This result came despite Gallants being the better of the two sides, particularly in the second half.

The Gallants’ defence was solid, and goalkeeper Washington Arubi had a relatively quiet day between the sticks compared to his opposite number, Edward Maova.

Gabadinho Mhango is in disbelief after the sitter he missed for the win. Photo: Morgan Piek

Gallants threw everything at Arrows in attack, but the Namibian international Maova stood firm. There was also a strong shout for a penalty by the home side, once again highlighting the growing need for VAR to be introduced in the PSL.

While chances were certainly created, Gallants lacked finishing quality, especially evident in Gabadinho Mhango’s late effort on goal. After some brilliant build-up play from former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Mhango should have buried the chance to seal all three points.

Following the weekend’s results, Gallants sit 13th on the log with 27 points from 25 matches. SuperSport United, who currently occupy the promotion-relegation playoff spot, are on 23 points but have two games in hand over Gallants, and three in hand over 14th-placed Cape Town City, who have 24 points.

Looking ahead, Marumo will not only face the Glamour Boys this weekend but will also host Chippa United and travel to an in-form Magesi FC, who have won their last six home games on the trot.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou told OFM Sport that the team needs to improve their finishing and fight until the final whistle.

Masindi 'Confidence' Nemtajela was once again a handful to deal with on the attack. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I agree with you – we could have taken all three points tonight,” said Ouaddou.

“But like I’ve said before, this isn’t new. We have a small issue in the final third with finishing, and that was clear again today. But we won’t give up. We’ll keep working hard and look to recover the points we lost at home in our away matches.

“We don’t have a choice.”

Saturday’s clash between the Amakhosi and Gallants at Soccer City kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport