Sekhukhune United secured a dramatic 2-1 home win over Marumo Gallants with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Bethuel Muzeu. The victory at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday lifts the club to sixth in the Premier Soccer League standings with 14 points from eight matches, a record of four wins, two draws and two losses.
Oageng Phiri had given Sekhukhune the lead in the 30th minute, finishing an assist from Ngoanamello Rammala. The hosts dominated the early exchanges but were pegged back in the 78th minute when a Sibusiso Ncube cross caused confusion and resulted in an own goal. Muzeu, who had only entered the fray four minutes earlier, then struck the decisive blow in the second minute of added time, converting a pass from D'Angelo Shaheed Kazeem.
Sekhukhune United started brightly and created the better chances in the first half. Chibuike Ohizu hit the woodwork with a shot in the 64th minute as the home side looked to double their advantage. Marumo Gallants grew into the game after the break, enjoying 57% of the possession and forcing the equaliser. Manager Papi Zothwane's response was to introduce Muzeu for Ohizu, a change that ultimately won the game. The visitors failed to test the goalkeeper enough, managing only two shots on target all night.
The three points are vital for Sekhukhune's push towards the top five. They now sit on 14 points, level with fifth-placed Kaizer Chiefs but trailing leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine. The team's recent form shows two wins and two draws from their last four outings, a sequence that includes a 3-2 comeback win at Richards Bay on 19 September, where Tshepo Mokoane and Ndongani Samba Gilbani O’Neil scored before Ngoanamello Rammala netted a late winner. This unbeaten run of four games, comprising two wins and two draws, has them on a two-game winning streak. Top scorer E. Rammala, who provided the assist for the opener, has netted twice in seven appearances this season. The team has scored nine goals and conceded eight this campaign.
Despite having less of the ball, Sekhukhune were more clinical. They registered 14 shots to Gallants' 12 and had a higher expected goals figure of 1.65. The home side also won five corners and made two saves, while both teams received a single yellow card. Thabang Makubo was booked for Sekhukhune in the dying moments.
Bethuel Muzeu said his contribution was about making an immediate impact. "I came off the bench and gave my side maximum points on home soil," the match-winner stated.
Sekhukhune United now turn their attention to a tough away trip to face fourth-placed Milford FC on Sunday, 1 November.
