Bienvenu Eva Nga thought he had rescued a point for the Chilli Boys in the 88th minute after his side fought hard to cancel out Christopher Sithole’s 60th-minute opener. However, it was new signing Eroine Agnikoi from the Ivory Coast who stole the show, powering home a header in the 94th minute to seal all three points for Gallants.

Chippa started brightly, launching attacks from the first whistle. Giovanni Philander tested Gallants goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, early on after a corner, signalling the visitors’ attacking intent inside the opening ten minutes. Marumo, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter.

Christopher Sithole, after scoring the opening goal. Photo: Morgan Piek

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo created the first real chance for Gallants in the seventh minute, unleashing a long-range effort from outside the 18-yard area after a swift counterattack. Despite the attempt going wide, Chippa continued to pile on the pressure.

Gallants gradually found their rhythm as the 20th minute approached, with both Ndlondlo and Mpho Chabatsane testing the Chippa defence with long-range efforts. The hosts began to dominate possession towards the end of the half, keeping Stanley Nwabili busy in goal with several attempts as they pushed for an opener.

Although the teams went into the break goalless, Philander remained Chippa’s main attacking threat early in the second half, coming close again in the 47th minute when his shot from inside the box went narrowly over the bar.

Gallants eventually broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Sithole’s powerful left-footed strike from outside the box went into the back of the net.

Marumo controlled most of the second-half possession, but Chippa refused to back down and continued pressing for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Eva Nga pounced in the danger area to fire home a right-footed shot, setting up a dramatic finale.

Then, with the very last play of the match, Gallants struck again – Agnikoi rose highest to meet Khumbulani Ncube’s perfectly delivered corner, nodding home the winner in the 94th minute.

Coach Alexandre Laffite and captain Washington Arubi. Photo: Morgan Piek

Marumo captain Washington Arubi told OFM Sport that the victory reflected his team’s belief and fighting spirit, especially on the birthday of club chairman Abram Sello.

“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.

Apart from scoring the winning goal, Eroine Agnikoi was also immense in the defence. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It was tough, but in football you just have to keep believing. I thank God for giving us three points.”

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.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs