TS Galaxy secured passage to the last eight of the Nedbank Cup with a 3-0 victory over D’General on Sunday afternoon.
Samukelo Kabini and Lebone Seema made their debuts in central defence for the Rockets, with Samir Nurkovic up top and flanked by Puso Dithejane.
Rockets midfield cog Mlungisi Mbunjana came very close to making the breakthrough when he lined-up a shot from range, but he shaved well past the top corner.
The Free State-based side remained stubborn but were on the back-foot and very nearly conceded after Orebotse Mongae nodded a cutback from the right onto the post.
General began to find gear after a tense opening quarter and fashioned in couple of chances that put the Rockets in some sort of difficulty.
However, the Rockets surged ahead when Nurkovic entered unmarked in the area to head in the top corner following a pin-point cross from the right-side.
Galaxy added another five minutes before halftime after a loose clearance from the host in the area saw Sphiwe Mahlangu grab hold to curl in the top corner.
Enjoying a decent cushion didn’t prevent the Rockets making a double change ahead of the second half, as Lehlohonolo Mojela and Mlungisi Zwane came on.
Zwane made his presence felt when he picked up a stray pass from goalkeeper Paseka Hlalele and finished off easily from close-range.
The Rockets could’ve made it four when a long ball in behind saw Mojela lob against the upright following a third-man run.
Veteran defender Vuyo Mere was shown a run out from the bench by the Rockets, as he replaced Thato Khiba towards the final quarter.
D’General encountered no route to a comeback minutes gone and watched the 2019 champions grab victory as well as a quarter-final spot.
Confirmed line-ups:
D'General: Hlalele, Majong, Tonisi, Mouma, Sebolai, Motshabaesi, Tsenodi, Sefali, Tsotsi, Sikosana, Makhetha
Subs: Weymars, Ramohlabi, Montingoe, Malope, Lekhari, Kapeng, Nyaphuli, Setlaba, Mokhutle
TS Galaxy: Kolak, Radebe, Seema, Kabini, Munyat, Mbunjana, Khiba, Mongae, Mahlangu, Nurkovic, Dithejane
Subs: Wensten, Mere, Vidal, Mbatha, Semache, Rakwena, Mjoeela, Zwane
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