Lilepo stunner propels Chiefs to second spot in Betway Premiership

Kaizer Chiefs climbed to second place in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening, leapfrogging arch-rivals Orlando Pirates following a hard-fought victory over Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The decisive moment came courtesy of a spectacular long-range stunner from Glody Makabi Lilepo, securing three vital points and shifting the balance of power in the upper echelons of the league standings.

The match began with high energy but few clear-cut chances. Gallants tested Brandon Petersen early in the 10th minute when Sekela Sithole saw his header comfortably gathered. Chiefs responded with attempts from Asanele Velebayi and Mduduzi Shabalala, but the visitors struggled to find their clinical edge in the final third.

The first half was characterised by a series of offsides and stop-start play, with Zitha Kwinika picking up an early yellow card as the Amakhosi defence worked to contain Gallants’ counter-attacks. Both teams went into the tunnel at the break with the deadlock unbroken.

Second Half: The Lilepo Show

The complexion of the game changed in the 67th minute. Following a headed pass from substitute Siphesihle Ndlovu, Makabi Lilepo unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from long range. The ball curled perfectly into the top left corner, leaving veteran keeper Washington Arubi with no chance.

AmaKhosi take the lead 🤯

Glody Lilepo fires home a stunner 💥

Stream on #BetwayPrem DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/Ii0TACxAHv

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 28, 2026

The goal sparked a frantic final twenty minutes. Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi introduced fresh legs in Flávio Silva and Luke Baartman to maintain the pressure, while Gallants pushed for an equaliser.

Defensive Resilience By Chiefs

The closing stages were a test of nerves for the Amakhosi faithful. Brandon Petersen proved his worth in the 83rd minute, producing a crucial save from Eroine Agnikoi to keep the lead intact. Despite a late flurry of corners and a yellow card for Gallants’ Bheki Mabuza, Chiefs’ defence—led by the late introduction of Sphiwe Msimango (who replaced a goal-hero Lilepo after an injury)—held firm through several minutes of stoppage time.

The result is a massive statement of intent for Chiefs. By securing three points on the road, they move to 28 points, moving ahead of their Soweto rivals, Pirates, who have two games in hand. Chiefs are also two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

For Gallants, the defeat leaves them languishing in 13th place, still searching for consistency as the season progresses.