TS Galaxy will meet Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout final after overcoming AmaZulu 3-2 in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Usuthu named two alterations from the loss to Stellenbosch FC as Hendrick Ekstein and Mondli Mbanjwa returned, while Galaxy welcomed back Facre Ntwari in goal.
The Rockets enjoyed a blistering start in the first minute and were ahead after Mpho Mvelase released Lehlohonolo Mojela in behind to take one touch before beating Veli Mothwa after two minutes.
Mojela was in again minutes gone with a shot from a tight angle following a smart build-up, but Mothwa parried behind for a corner-kick.
Immediately at the other end, Usuthu launched a quick counter from a corner and draw a first-time save off Ntwari following Ekstein’s penetrative attempt.
AmaZulu were cut apart again inside the 25th minute and conceded a second when Higo Vidal beat Mothwa from the spot after the latter upended Mojela to give away the penalty kick.
Ntwari stood between the host and a turnaround where he produced saves in quick succession to thwart Ramahlwe Mphalele’s curler before seeing off Ekstein’s rasping pull.
The home side launched a trio of changes after halftime in Taariq Fielies, Augustine Kwem and Tshepang Moremi in a quest to change things.
Kwem, who recently bagged a hat-trick in a league match with Golden Arrows, looked to hand the host a lifeline with a rasping header at the far post but steered over.
The Nigerian did get in though after a quiet spell where he combined with a layoff from Sede Dion in the area to tap in from point-blank range 12 minutes from time.
Substitute Samir Nurkovic restored the visitors two-goal cushion in added time when he curled in off the post after opening up his body.
Usuthu hit back in the matter of minutes after Ntwari failed to thwart a snap shot from Dion, but it was too little too late as the Rockets emerged with the win to seal a spot in the final.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Mothwa Jooste, Mphahlele, Gumede, Hanamub, Mbanjwa, Mobara, Brooks, Eskstein, Ngema, Dion
Subs: Mzimela, Zulu, Fielies, Hlangabeza, Human, Ndlovu, Moremi, Letsoalo, Kwem
TS Galaxy: Ntwari, Munyai, Sanoka, Mahlangu, Letsoenyo, Mvelase, Khiba, Vidal, Sebelebele, Mojela, S. Mahlangu.
Subs: Kolak, Seema, Nurkovic, Mongae, Mbatha, Radebe, Rakwena, Gabuza, Semache
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
