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In a dramatic finish, Ranga Chivaviro’s late equalizer during stoppage time earned Kaizer Chiefs a valuable point in their Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium.
The contest appeared to be heading towards a Galaxy victory in Nelspruit until Chivaviro, who had come off the bench, reacted swiftly, slotting the ball into the net from close range in the closing seconds of the match.
Galaxy got on the scoreboard first, thanks to a simple header from Samukele Kabini during the first half.
Head coach Adnan Beganović has made a promising start with Galaxy, having taken over from Sead Ramovic. He was on the verge of securing his third win in four matches since stepping into the role.
The Chiefs came into this game experiencing difficulties, having not defeated Galaxy in their last seven encounters across all competitions. The last time the Soweto Giants triumphed over Galaxy was back in June 2021, when Samir Nurkovic, now with Galaxy, found the net.
Galaxy started the match with determination, establishing the tempo and applying pressure on their opponents from Soweto.
Dzenan Zajmovic presented an early threat to the Chiefs, testing goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma with a powerful shot that just skimmed the top of the net.
Puso Dithejane, having previously played for the Chiefs’ development team and now part of Galaxy, almost took advantage of a defensive lapse, but the opportunity was ultimately neutralized.
As the game progressed, Chiefs began to find their footing, with Inacio Miguel coming close to scoring with a header that went narrowly wide.
In the end, it was Galaxy who struck first, taking the lead when Chiefs failed to clear the ball effectively from a corner. Siphiwe Mahlangu delivered a pinpoint cross that Kabini headed home in the 35th minute.
In response to the deficit at halftime, Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi made strategic substitutions, bringing on Tebogo Potsane, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Ranga Chivaviro while withdrawing Njabulo Blom, Ashley Du Preez, and Wandile Duba.
Vilakazi, one of the substitutes, almost made an instant impact but his attempt was blocked by Mpho Mvelase as Chiefs intensified their efforts to find an equalizer.
During this period, Chiefs placed Galaxy under considerable pressure, with Coach Beganović showing signs of tension as the end of the match approached.
Ultimately, Chiefs’ relentless efforts paid off when Chivaviro took advantage of a poorly defended inswinging corner by Happy Mashiane. Eliezer Tapé of Galaxy could only deflect the ball onto the crossbar, allowing Chivaviro to seize the rebound and equalize. Despite the draw, Chiefs’ coach Nabi remained seated and expressionless, following their recent defeat to Polokwane City.
