There was no shortage of effort at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, but both sides ultimately lacked the cutting edge, as the match ended 0-0 despite a lively tempo and several promising moments in attack.

In a contest defined by missed chances, neither Gallants nor the Rustenburg-based outfit could find the breakthrough. Marumo goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo proved decisive, producing a crucial penalty save in the second half to ensure his side walked away with a point.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic hardman, Tshepo Rikhotso (left) was the pillar of strength in the Marumo defence - Morgan Piek

Gallants started brightly and looked the more dangerous side in the opening exchanges. Phillip Ndlondlo came closest early on, rattling the woodwork with a sharp left-footed effort from a tight angle following a set-piece.

As the first half wore on, the game settled into a cagier affair. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, although Orbit enjoyed a slight edge in possession. They looked to test the hosts with a more direct approach before the break, with Lebogang Lesako and Mbulelo Wagaba both trying their luck from distance.

Despite those efforts, neither side managed to trouble the scoreboard, and the teams went into halftime locked at 0-0.

Marumo goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo pulling off a vital penalty save on the hour mark - Morgan Piek

Orbit came out with intent after the restart, posing a threat in the air through Mbulelo Wagaba and Thabang Mahlangu, who both went close with headed attempts.

The visitors were then handed a golden opportunity just after the hour mark when Mahlangu won a penalty. However, Mlambo rose to the occasion, pulling off a vital save to deny Orbit what looked like the opening goal.

Orbit continued to press in the closing stages, with Lucky Malatsi and Wagaba keeping the Gallants defence on high alert with shots from range. Both sides resorted to long-range efforts in the dying minutes, but accuracy deserted them when it mattered most.

In the end, neither team could break the deadlock, and the points were shared in Bloemfontein.

Gallants assistant coach Trevor Mathiane, who was in charge on the night, told OFM Sport that his side had enough chances to win the match but were let down by their finishing.

“I think we created enough chances today, but we just didn’t convert them,” said Mathiane, who still turned out for the club as a player last season.

“That’s part of football. We’ll go back to the drawing board, work hard at training, and improve our finishing.

The Klerksdorp-born Alucius Wagaba asked a lot of questions of the Marumo defence in the closing stages - Morgan Piek

“I’m really pleased with our defensive effort. We’ve conceded in recent games, so to see that improvement was encouraging. The backline did very well.

“Tshepo Rikhotso hasn’t had much game time, but he stepped in and delivered a Man of the Match performance. I’m very proud of him and the entire defence.”

Gallants now turn their attention to a high-stakes Bloemfontein derby against Siwelele FC, who played to a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu on Saturday.

Jaisen Clifford on the charge for Marumo - Morgan Piek

Mathiane believes motivation won’t be an issue as they look to settle the score after a narrow defeat in their previous meeting.

“The next match is a derby, and that brings its own motivation. We’ll make sure the boys are ready because we need the points at this stage of the season.”

Saturday’s clash at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium is set to kick off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport