TS Galaxy sealed their spot in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after defeating Golden Arrows 2-1 at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Friday evening.
Knox Mutizwa dropped to the bench and had Thokozani Lukhele come on in his place, while Galaxy named two changes in Marks Munyai and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Right after kick-off, play was suspended after the lights had gone out at the stadium, but fortunately enough it was restored and matters resumed safely.
The Rockets took the lead past after ten minutes where a low ball from the left of the box was met by Lehlohonolo Mojela, who found the back of the net with a first time strike.
Arrows got back on level terms when Galaxy defender Solomon Letsoenyo attempted to cut out Siyanda Mthathi’s cutback only to find his own net.
Galaxy wasn’t fazed though but were very keen to get ahead from a few half-chances by Mojela and veteran attacker Lindokuhle Mbatha.
On the other hand, Abafana Besthende had defender Themba Mantshiyane removed ahead of halftime and saw Bradley Cross step on.
Galaxy added more numbers to their attack in the second half, as former Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM striker Samir Nurkovic came on for Mbatha.
The home team were a bit lively than was the case in the first spell and could’ve had the lead from a high ball involving John Mwengani, but the effort missed target.
However, the Rockets were more accurate and regained the lead over the midway point of the second period when Mpho Mvelase outjumped goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana to head in a floated ball.
Abafana Besthende looked to bounce back for the second time in the match, but timeously fluffed their lines in the final third.
The Rockets then had done enough to secure the win and a spot in the last 16 whilst completed a trio of victories over Abafana Besthende in the matter of months.
Confirmed line-ups:
Golden Arrows: Mlungwana, Mantshiyane , Mwengani, Shitolo, Lukhele, Mthanti, Malinga, Libamba, Dube, Zwane, Sibeko
Subs: Kayode, Cross, Cele, Tlolane, Dlamini, Mutizwa , Hlatshwayo, Van Rooi, Sibiya
TS Galaxy: Ntwari, Munyai, Mahlangu, Sanoka, Letsoenyo, Mvelase, Khiba, Vidal, Sebelebele, Mojela, Mbatha
Subs: Kolak, Seema, Nurkovic, Mbunjana, Radebe, Mere, Mongae, Dithejane, Semache
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
