Marumo Gallants silence SuperSport United in Pretoria

The game was brought to life in the 12th minute when SuperSport United's Bilal Baloyi brought down striker Siyabulela Shai with the faintest of touches in the danger zone. Edgar Manaka stepped up to take the penalty, guiding the ball past Thakasani Mbanjwa.

SuperSport United stalwart Bradley Grobler had two chances towards the end of the half. The first was stopped by Gallants' gloveman Washington Arubi, while his header went over the crossbar.

Gallants started in a buoyant mood in the second stanza. For a team wallowing near the bottom of the table, the visitors were playing with much confidence, deep in enemy territory. So much so, that Shai forced an athletic save from Mbanjwa in the 58th minute.

Matsatsantsa had half a chance when the fresh legs of Ghampani Lungu fired a dangerous cross minutes later, but Arubi put in a full-length dive to intercept.

There were then two chances in two minutes for the hosts. That man Arubi nearly turned from hero to villain as he was caught off his line, but Terrence Dzukamanja's shot narrowly missed the right post. Later, Dzukamanja was unmarked and lept for a header with just the keeper to beat, but his effort missed left.

Gallants dug deep to survive a couple of late goalmouth scrambles, but ultimately their defence held firm. The defeat marks Matsatsantsa's third straight goalless game.   

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