Ranga Chivaviro’s late equalizer in stoppage time salvaged a point for Kaizer Chiefs in their Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Monday.

The game appeared to be a victory for Galaxy in Nelspruit, but Chivaviro, in for as a substitute, reacted the quickest to knock the ball from close range in the referee’s additional time.  

Galaxy scored through Samukele Kabini in the first half when he applied an easy finish via a header.  

It has been a good start for Galaxy coach Adnan Beganović, who replaced Sead Ramovic. He came close to the third win in four matches in charge since he replaced Sead Ramovic.  

Chiefs were up against it as they came this game having not beaten Galaxy in the last seven matches in all competitions. The Soweto Giants’ last victory over Galaxy came in June 2021 via Samir Nurkovic, who played for Galaxy last season.  

Galaxy started this game very well, setting up the pace and putting the Soweto giants under pressure.  

Dzenan Zajmovic sent an early warning against Chiefs, testing Bruce Bvuma with a stinging drive that kissed the top side of the net.  

Puso Dithejane, who was at the Chiefs development before joining Galaxy last season, almost took advantage of the slack defense of Chiefs as he was lurking behind, but the danger was averted.  

Chiefs grew into the game and Inacio Miguel came close with a header, but went wide.     

While Chiefs came close, Galaxy made it count at the other end to take the lead. Chiefs failed to deal with the first and the second ball from the corner and Siphiwe Mahlangu whipped a cross from the recycled phase and Kabini cushioned the header to open the scoring in the 35^th minute.  

Before the second half got underway, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi reacted by bringing in Tebogo Potsane, Mfundo Vilakazi and Ranga Chivario and took off Njabulo Blom, Ashley Du Preez and Wandile Duba.  

The sub of Vilakazi almost paid off as he had shot blocked by Mpho Mvelase as Chiefs was knocking on the door.  

It was Galaxy who was holding on in this stage for dear life as Chiefs were piling forward in the search for an equalizer. That left Galaxy coach Beganović holding his head as appeared to be nervous and couldn’t wait for the game to end.  

However, Chiefs’ pressure paid off as Chivaviro knocked the ball from close range after Galaxy failed to deal with an in-swinging corner that was viciously driven in by Happy Mashiane and Galaxy Eliezer Tapé initially push it to the crossbar before Chivaviro knocked it home for an equaliser. Even though they got the draw, Chiefs coach Nabi sat in his chair motionless as they came to this game having lost to Polokwane City.