Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs failed to get back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership following a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday evening.
Chiefs 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 half.
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.
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.
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 Makabi 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.