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Galaxy pip Sekhukhune to Carling Knockout semi spot

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POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 04: Samir Nurkovic of TS Galaxy FC during the Carling Knockout quarter final match between Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 04: Samir Nurkovic of TS Galaxy FC during the Carling Knockout quarter final match between Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

TS Galaxy became the final side to advance to the Carling Knockout semi-finals after overcoming Sekhukhune United on penalties.

Sekhukhune handed former Orlando Pirates midfielder Collins Makgaka his debut in the line-up while the Rockets started former Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic from the bench.

Babina Noko were lively in the opening exchanges and Jamie Webber had a great chance on 12 minutes after a through ball by Lebohang Mabotja in the box but his side-footed shot was saved by goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

However, there game was balanced towards the half-hour mark, with neither side taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

Sekhukhune were forced to make a change just before the interval after Makgaka got injured and he was replaced by Rally Bwalya and the sides remained cagey as they went to the break deadlocked.

Babina Noko set themselves from deep in their own half early in the second stanza and invited pressure from TS Galaxy but the visitors were not finding spaces behind their defence.

Sead Ramovic eventually brought on Nurkovic ten minutes into the second stanza in place of Thabang Rakwena in a tactical switch.

Galaxy had a better point of reference going forward after the introduction of Nurkovic, whose hold up play brought the attackers more into the game.

The Rockets enjoyed a good momentum and with 13 minutes remaining, they brought on Orebotse Mongae in place of Higor Vidal for fresh legs in attack.

However, both sides were cautious in the closing stages and settled for a goalless draw in regulation time, as they went to extra-time.

Galaxy had the fresh legs of Lindokuhle Mbatha in extra-time and Mbatha made an immediate impact as ten minutes later he setup Nurkovic with a cut-back in the six-yard box but the Serbian's shot crashed against the crossbar.

Brandon Truter's men showed more urgency to get the elusive goal in the dying minutes but they could not get clear opportunities and with the penalty kicks approaching, the hosts brought on goalkeeper Ntokozo Mtshweni in place of shot-stopper Badra Ali Sangare.

The game eventually went to penalty shoot-out,  where Galaxy triumphed 4-2 after Ntwari saved a decisive spot-kick and Nkosikhona Radebe scored the winning penalty for the Rockets. 

Confirmed line-ups:

Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Mabotja, Cardoso, Gyimah, Mokotjo, Mokwana, Webber, Mosadi, Mkhize, Makgaka

Subs: Mtsweni, Mkhabela, Baartman, Mahlangu, Bwalya, Mtshali, Thutlwa, Sithole, Ohizu

TS Galaxy: Ntwari, Sebelebele, M.Mahlangu, Sanoka, Letsoenyo, Mbunjana, Rakwena, Mvelase, Vidal, Mojela, S.Mahlangu

Subs: Kolak, Mongae, Mere, Mbatha, Nurkovic, Gabuza, Seema, Khiba, Radebe

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