Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday at FNB Stadium after Khanyisa Mayo scored on debut, while Jaisen Clifford netted for the away side.
The sharing of spoils saw Chiefs move to 14 points in seven games, while the Bloemfontein-based side is on 10 points in eight games. Chiefs returned to league action after a disappointing start to the new CAF Confederation Cup campaign, losing 1-0 in the preliminary round against Kabuscorp in Angola.
Before playing the continental football this past weekend, Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the 2025/26 season after succumbing to a 3-1 loss against log-leaders Sekhukhune United.
A day after the disappointing defeat against Babina Noko, the Glamour Boys asked head coach Nasreddine Nabi to step aside amid reports of a breakdown in the relationship between both parties.
Subsequently, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have been entrusted to lead the club on an interim basis. The duo served as assistant coaches to the Tunisian mentor.
GASTON SIRINO MISSED A PENALTY FOR CHIEFS
In a must-win match against Gallants, Chiefs had a promising start to the encounter, creating most of the scoring chances; however, they could not capitalise. The Soweto giants broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through Khayisa Mayo, who scored on his debut. The Bafana Bafana international joined Chiefs on a season-long loan from CR Belouizdad a few weeks ago.
On the stroke of half-time, Chiefs missed an opportunity to double their lead after Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi saved Gaston Sirino’s penalty. The Naturena-based side went into the half-time break with a 1-0 advantage.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Sirino had another chance to score after receiving a great square pass from Mayo; however, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star ballooned his shot over the crossbar.
Jaisen Clifford came on as a second-half substitute to level matters for Gallants in the 75th minute, to see Kaizer Chiefs and Bahlabane Ba Ntwa settled for a point apiece after the two sides could not be separated in 90 minutes.
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