Galaxy strike late to hold Chiefs

TS Galaxy dealt another blow to Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership when they scored a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Amakhosi looked to be on course for a return to winning form thanks to Wandile Duba’s first-half goal, but the Rockets hit back via Mlungisi Mbunjana with less than 10 minutes of regulation time remaining in the second stanza.

The result means Chiefs have gone four matches without a win in the league and are placed eighth on the log, while Galaxy have taken third spot from Stellenbosch FC – though the Cape side have played three fewer games.

Chiefs took their time finding an attacking rhythm, but on 13 minutes, they were sparked to life by Nkosingiphile Ngoco, who tried his hand from a free-kick but was denied by Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape.

On 27 minutes, Makabi Lilepo should have put the hosts in front, but he volleyed over from close range after a fine cross by Wandile Duba.

The Amakhosi’s pressure paid off in the 36th minute when Duba was able to score from close range, capitalising after Tape’s parrying save only put the ball into the midfielder’s path.

For their part, Galaxy had a couple of promising moments via the attacking duo of Victor Letsoalo and Dzenan Zajmovic, but they generally struggled to put pressure on Chiefs’ defence.

The Rockets had a much more proactive approach at the start of the second half, but Chiefs were quickly back in charge and threatened a second goal via Gaston Sirino and Lilepo.

The visitors opted for a change in midfield a few minutes before the hour mark when Sphesihle Maduna replaced Mpho Mvelase, while Letsoalo made way for MacBeth Mahlangu in a tactical reshuffle with just under 20 minutes to play.

The altered approach paid dividends for the visitors in the 81st minute, with Chiefs unable to deal with a corner kick and Mlungisi Mbunjana was able to force the ball home on the goal line – with a hint of an own goal from defender Spiwe Msimango.

Chiefs will next be in action in the Nedbank Cup semifinals, as they come up against Mamelodi Sundowns next weekend, while Galaxy’s next match in a league clash away to Magesi FC on 20 April.

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Duba 36’)

TS Galaxy (0) 1 (Mbunjana 81’)

Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons, Msimango, Miguel (Dove 80’), Cross, Maart, Duba (Morris 83’), Ngcobo (Matlou 83’), Lilepo (Vilakazi 89’), Mmodi (Shabalala 89’), Sirino

Galaxy: Tape, Masiya, Ndamane, Mbunjana, Letsoenyo, Mgaga, Mvelase (Maduna 56’), Dithejane, Dolly (Sosvic 88’), Letsoalo (Mahlangu 72’), Zajmovic