Kaizer Chiefs closed out 2025 with a frustrating 0–0 draw against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium, a result that nudged them into fourth place but underlined the side’s ongoing struggle to turn dominance into points.

Chiefs started with intent and controlled much of the first half, moving the ball with confidence and pushing Galaxy deep into their own territory. Early openings fell to Mduduzi Shabalala and Khanyisa Mayo, but neither could find the precision required to beat Ira Tape in the Galaxy goal.

The clearest moment arrived in the 19th minute when Flavio da Silva finished a well-weighted pass from George Matlou, only for the assistant referee’s offside flag to halt celebrations. Replays suggested the forward had timed his run well, adding to Chiefs’ growing frustration.

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Galaxy offered little attacking threat before the interval, forced into a largely reactive approach, while Tape produced two sharp saves just before half-time to keep the match level. Chiefs carried that momentum into the second half, playing most of the football and creating a steady stream of half-chances.

Asanele Velebayi’s introduction added further pace out wide, and youngster Luke Baartman was handed a late debut in the search for a decisive goal.

Despite the pressure, clear chances remained limited, and it was Galaxy who almost produced a late twist when Mlungisi Mbunjana struck the post, catching Chiefs on the counter. The home side’s evening ended on a sour note after Nhlanhla Mgaga received a second yellow card in stoppage time, but the numerical advantage came too late for Chiefs to capitalise.

The draw extends Chiefs’ winless run to four matches in all competitions and denied them an opportunity to draw level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns. A lack of rhythm in the final third once again held them back on a day when their dominance deserved more.

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images