A moment of pure brilliance from Glody Lilepo proved to be the difference. The winger produced a stunning strike from a tight angle and distance to break the deadlock in what had been a fairly even contest up until that point. 

The three points saw the mighty Amakhosi leapfrog their Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates, into second place on the log, although Abdeslam Ouddou’s Buccaneers still have two games in hand.

For Marumo Gallants, the pressure continues to mount. The defeat follows on from their 2-0 loss to TS Galaxy in Nelspruit in their opening match of 2026, and they have now gone five games without a win, three of those ending in defeat.

Chiefs supporters arrived in their numbers. Photo: Morgan Piek

The first half was evenly contested, although Chiefs made the brighter start. Lilepo fired wide just three minutes in at the Slaughterhouse, before Asenele Velebayi went close with a powerful effort that sailed inches over the crossbar.

On the 10-minute mark, Marumo registered their first real chance when Sekela Sithole rose to meet Bheki Mabuza’s cross, forcing Brandon Petersen into a solid save with a headed effort. Sithole had another go moments later, but this time dragged his shot wide.

Petersen was called into action again in the 28th minute, denying Katlego Otladisa from range, while at the other end Marvin Sikhosana showed great awareness to clear Lilepo’s goal-bound effort off the line in the 33rd minute, ensuring the scores remained level at the break.

The Amakhosi started the second stanza with the same intent, and it wasn’t long before Marumo captain and goalkeeper Washington Arubi was tested, saving well from a Lebo Maboe strike.

With both sides cancelling each other out, it felt like something special would be required to separate them – and that’s exactly what arrived in the 66th minute. Lilepo picked up the ball on the right flank, shifted it onto his stronger foot, and curled a sublime effort over Arubi into the top left corner of the net, a goal worthy of winning any match.

The strike sparked Marumo into life as they chased an equaliser, but Chiefs remained disciplined and composed, defending resolutely to see out the match and secure three valuable points as their purple patch rolls on.

The Heidelberg-born Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebohang Maboe was the man of the match. Photo: Morgan Piek

Following the dramatic win, Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze expressed his delight with the result, while admitting the performance was not flawless and praising Lilepo’s match-winning moment.

“We started the game well in the first 10 minutes, but after that the performance wasn’t good enough,” said Kaze.

“We were too reactive, late in our duels, not breaking the lines, and we gave Marumo Gallants too much space. We were slightly better in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the first half, but at halftime we were very harsh with the players because that level of performance is not acceptable for a big team.

Glody (Lollipop) Lilepo fires his insane match-winning goal from distance. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We told them we need to go on the front foot, press higher, play with conviction, and win the ball back quickly. In the second half, the boys came back very eager to press, to create chances, and to make things happen. In the end, we’re happy to take the three points.

“And what a goal – you don’t see a goal like that every day. I’m very happy for Lilepo. After his injury against AS Simba, he was slowly coming back, and there was some pressure on him over the last few weeks, but he responded well. We know he’s a big player who can make the difference.”

Chiefs now turn their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they host ZESCO United FC at Soccer City on Sunday. Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, remain in Bloemfontein and will be back in action on Saturday when they entertain fourth-placed AmaZulu.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs