Gallants trounce Royal AM to keep survival hopes alive

Marumo Gallants bounced back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership as they beat Royal AM 3-1 at the Free State Stadium on Wednesday.

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Gallants, who have been getting poor results in the league remained bottom of the standings despite the win against Royal AM. They, however, remained bottom of the log with 23 points after 24 matches, just one point off Maritzburg United, who are in 15th place and three points behind Chippa United, who are sitting in 14th spot.

Before the win against Thwihli Thwala, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa last won a league match back in February when they beat neighbours Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the Limpopo derby.

Goals from Lesiba Nku, Bamba Soumaro and Mahlatse Makudubela earned Gallants a vital win against Royal AM, with Mfundo Thikazi netting the consolation goal for John Maduka’s side.

The Limpopo based outfit had a positive start to the game after creating a few opportunities earlier on. Their first goal of the match would come as early as the 11th minute courtesy of Nku, who beat Royal AM’s goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo with a low shot.

The visitors tried to find their way back to the game with some promising attacks from Ruzaigh Gamildien upfront, but they weren’t lucky enough to get a goal in the first half.

Royal AM could have gotten an equaliser a few minutes into the second half through Ellias Pelembe, but the veteran’s header went over the bar.

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The team from KwaZulu-Natal finally levelled matters with only five minutes to full-time after Mfundo Thikazi’s well taken free-kick. But, it wasn’t to be over yet as Soumaro put the hosts back in the lead in additional time and Makudubela scored the third goal.

There was a bit of drama before the full time whistle as two Gallants players Sibusiso Sibeko and Edgar Manaka were sent off from the bench.