Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy share the spoils after a tense encounter

Kaizer Chiefs are still searching for that elusive win after they left the New Peter Mokaba Stadium with a sense of disappointment, having settled for a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in their Betway Premiership clash on Saturday evening.

Despite taking a first-half lead, the Amakhosi allowed the Rockets to claw their way back into the match, stealing a point at the death.

The evening began brightly for Chiefs when Wandile Duba opened the scoring with a well-taken goal in the 36th minute, rewarding the home side’s positive play. With this strike, Chiefs headed into halftime with a 1-0 edge, exhibiting glimpses of the prowess that fans had yearned for.

However, the second half told a different tale, with Amakhosi’s tempo noticeably dropping, leading to missed opportunities that ultimately cost them dearly.

The game got off to an electric start, both teams demonstrating a clear intent to attack. In the 13th minute, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo forced Galaxy goalkeeper Tape Ira into a spectacular save from a striking free kick.

Not long after, Dillan Solomons combined well with Gaston Sirino; his cross-cum-shot was fumbled momentarily by Ira, a warning sign for the Rockets.

As the half wore on, Duba emerged as a standout performer for the Chiefs. Despite seeing one shot sail over in the 21st minute, he continued to cause problems for the Galaxy defence.

His dynamism paid off when he capitalised on a defensive error from Kganyana Letsoenyo, following up to beat two defenders after Ira saved Sirino’s attempt, etching his name on the scoresheet and giving Chiefs a welcome boost.

However, the second half proved to be a different chapter in the match. Just two minutes after the restart, Chiefs goalkeeper Bruve Bvuma had to be quick to deny Victor Letsoalo’s header, indicating a shift in momentum. Although the Chiefs looked to be in control, they failed to extend their lead. Sirino missed a golden opportunity just after halftime, as he pushed the ball wide of the target from clear vantage.

As the minutes ticked by, Chiefs’ struggles to find the net again became glaring. The inevitable happened when a lapse in concentration led to an equaliser from Mlungisi Mbunjana in the 81st minute. Following a lengthy stoppage for a substitution, the defending champions lost focus at a corner kick, allowing Galaxy to exploit the situation and steal a point, much to the dismay of their supporters.

While a draw may not present the desired result, it prevents a third consecutive defeat and offers the Amakhosi something to build upon as they shift their focus to their vital Nedbank Cup semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns next weekend. With just 30 points from 24 games, they currently sit eighth in the league standings.