Chiefs Reclaim Diski Challenge Top Spot With Victory Over Galaxy

Kaizer Chiefs have reclaimed the top spot in the DStv Diski Challenge table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday.

The winning goal came courtesy of substitute Manqoba Ozoemena, who struck in the 74th minute, securing the crucial three points and pushing Chiefs back to the summit, previously occupied by Stellenbosch.

Defending champions Stellenbosch had momentarily taken the lead after a 3-2 win against Golden Arrows at the same Durban venue on Saturday.

Chiefs now hold 58 points from 24 matches, placing them one point ahead of Stellenbosch. Crucially, Chiefs also have a game in hand, a significant advantage as they pursue their first title in the reserve league.

The first half was largely uneventful, though Chiefs had a golden opportunity in the 41st minute. Naledi Hlogwane delivered a clever reverse pass to Matala Makhubo, who, inside the box, opted for a first-time shot with the outside of his foot, sending the ball wide. This was Chiefs’ best chance of the half, as they were effectively contained by Bernard Parker’s TS Galaxy side.

Parker, Chiefs’ all-time leading PSL goal scorer with 61 goals in 364 appearances across all competitions and 40 assists, had his team well-organized.

Galaxy also threatened, with Chiefs goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba venturing off his line to clear, but missing the ball. Rearden Dicken’s goal-bound shot towards the empty net was intercepted and cleared, allowing Chiefs to escape a potentially damaging moment, given their need for victory.

Chiefs, displaying greater urgency to attack, seemed to struggle with the game’s tempo as Galaxy pressed them in the second half. Galaxy created several chances, with two shots narrowly missing the target, opportunities they should have converted.

Finally, Chiefs found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. After a sustained attacking phase, Ozoemena finished from close range, capitalizing on Galaxy’s failure to clear their lines, giving Chiefs a vital lead.

In the earlier match at the same venue, AmaZulu and Cape Town City played to a 1-1 draw. Moosa Mnguni equalized for AmaZulu, cancelling out Jody Ah Shene’s opener, resulting in the coastal clubs sharing the points.