Kaizer Chiefs returned to the summit of the DStv Diski Challenge table with a narrow 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a decisive second-half strike from substitute Manqoba Ozoemena.
The tightly contested match saw the Soweto giants clinch three valuable points, propelling them back into first place, just one point ahead of reigning champions Stellenbosch.
Chiefs now sit on 58 points after 24 matches, with a crucial game in hand as the title race intensifies.
Stellenbosch had temporarily seized top spot on Saturday following a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Golden Arrows at the same venue.
That result placed pressure on Chiefs, who responded with composure and resilience to reclaim their advantage at the top of the reserve league standings.
The first half offered few clear-cut opportunities, with the pace of the game stifled by strong defensive displays from both sides.
Chiefs came close to opening the scoring in the 41st minute when Naledi Hlogwane threaded a clever pass to Matala Makhubo.
However, Makhubo’s first-time effort skewed wide, failing to trouble the TS Galaxy goalkeeper.
Galaxy responded with a dangerous moment of their own shortly before the interval.
Chiefs goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba misjudged a cross and missed the ball entirely, giving Rearden Dick a chance to score into an open net.
However, a swift defensive clearance spared the Amakhosi from conceding.
The match began to open up in the second half, with TS Galaxy applying sustained pressure and creating multiple chances, two of which narrowly missed the target.
Chiefs, however, remained disciplined and patient.
The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute. Manqoba Ozoemena, who had been introduced to inject fresh energy into the attack, latched onto a loose ball in the box and capitalised on a lapse in the Galaxy defence to fire home the winner.
The goal was met with jubilant celebrations from the Chiefs bench as their title ambitions received a significant boost.
Earlier in the day, AmaZulu and Cape Town City played out a 1-1 draw.
Jody Ah Shene opened the scoring for City, before Moosa Mnguni equalised for AmaZulu, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.
With just a few rounds remaining, the Diski Challenge title race promises to deliver further drama, as Chiefs and Stellenbosch continue to battle for supremacy in South Africa’s premier reserve league.
