Chiefs fire blanks in goalless draw against Galaxy

The final Betway Premiership fixture of 2025 delivered a frustrating anti-climax for Kaizer Chiefs, who were held to a tense, goalless draw by a resilient TS Galaxy side that finished the match with ten men.

Despite an overwhelming dominance in possession, shots, and attacking pressure, Amakhosi could not find the crucial breakthrough against The Rockets, who clung on desperately, buoyed by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Ira Tapé.

The statistics paint a picture of total Chiefs control: an astonishing 24 shots (nine on target) and 12 corners compared to Galaxy’s solitary effort. Yet, every attempt—from close-range headers to long-range strikes—was either repelled by the Galaxy backline or smothered by Tapé.

The Ivorian shot-stopper was arguably the Man of the Match, racking up nine vital saves to deny the likes of Khanyisa Mayo, Flávio Silva, and the lively Mfundo Vilakazi, who saw his early attempts blocked.

Chiefs’ best chance of the first half came just before the break when Mayo’s header from a Dillan Solomons cross was brilliantly saved by Tapé.

Late Drama and Desperation For Chiefs

The second half became a relentless Chiefs siege. Coach’s substitutions, introducing fresh legs in Asenele Velebayi, Makabi Lilepo, and Wandile Duba, provided renewed impetus, but the final, clinical touch remained elusive.

The drama peaked in the dying minutes. In the 91st minute, Galaxy almost stole it on a rare counter-attack, with Junior Zindoga rattling the right post after a scramble.

Moments later, Galaxy midfielder Nhlanhla Mgaga received his marching orders in the 96th minute after collecting his second yellow card for a bad foul. Reducing TS Galaxy to ten men with only seconds left on the clock.

In the 97th and final minute of injury time, Chiefs had one last opportunity to clinch the win. A cross from Dillan Solomons found defender Inácio Miguel unmarked in the centre of the box, but his header drifted agonisingly wide of the right post, sealing the 0-0 stalemate.

For Chiefs, the draw feels like two points dropped, highlighting a clear need for greater attacking efficiency heading into the mid-season 2025 AFCON break. They created more than enough chances to win several games, only to be foiled by poor finishing and an outstanding performance by Ira Tapé.

For TS Galaxy, the result is a hard-fought point earned through defensive grit and a determined spirit, providing a platform to build upon when the Betway Premiership campaign resumes in the new year.