SuperSport United's struggles continue as Marumo Gallants claim vital away victory

SuperSport United’s season went from bad to worse on Friday when they were beaten 1-0 at home at the Lucas Moripe Stadium by Marumo Gallants, who started the day second from bottom in the Betway Premiership.

Dan Malesela’s Gallants moved all the way up to 12th after the win, while the result also meant Matsatsantsa had just one win from their last six games in the win.

Marumo Gallants’ goal in the first half came via the penalty spot after Siyabulela Shai was brought down in the box by Ime Okon. The contact that brought Shai down was feint, and the referee’s decision to award the spot kick confused everyone.

However, Edga Manaka gladly accepted the kick, and buried it into Thakasani Mbanjwa’s goal to give the visitors the early lead.

Matsatsantsa’s efforts to get back into the game proved fruitless in the first half, as Siwelele sa Marumo’s defence waw able to keep them at bay. Gavin Hunt’s men edged the attacking stats in the first half, but much like their season so far, their attack play was frustrating.

There was little to write home about for Hunt’s men, and the second-half exchanges were no different.

With the game approaching the dying stages, SuperSport fashioned two proper goalscoring chances as they looked to get back level, but both efforts went agonisingly wide of the goal, much to Hunt’s chagrin.

If they did find the target, Zimbabwean international Washington Arubi was a menacing presence in the Gallants goal.

Marumo Gallants managed to hold on to the slender 1-0 lead, and walked away from the clash with all three points.

SuperSport United will now have a week to recover before heading to KwaZulu-Natal to face now second-from bottom Richards Bay, while Marumo Gallants’ next assignment in the league sees them host newly promoted giant killers Magesi FC.

IOL Sport