Kaizer Chiefs crashed out of the Nedbank Cup at the first hurdle following a 1-0 loss at the hands of TS Galaxy on Saturday night.
Goalkeeper Brandon Peterson started for the first time since the 4-1 loss to Royal AM, while Siyabonga Ngezana, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Austin Dube earned starting berths too.
Chiefs should have been in the lead in the first minute off the head of Daniel Cardoso following a corner-kick, but the centre-back headed across the face of goal.
Sead Ramovic's man structured their own chance minutes apart through a pacey move down the wing, but Peterson plucked the intentions of a certain Lifa Hlongwane.
Peterson was tested again when he stretched across his goal-line to turn Lindokuhle Mbatha's curler behind for a corner-kick during the midway stage.
Chiefs received little joy in attack, as the Rockets launched another chance through a teasing strike from a tight angle late in the half by Augustine Kwem that rolled across the face of goal.
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The Amakhosi's resolve was broken nine minutes into the second half when Kwem pounced onto a loose pass from Nange around the area to slot past Peterson.
A double substitution followed from the Glamour Boys a few minutes later, as Samir Nurkovic came in for Ngezana and Leonardo Castro was introduced for Khama Billiat.
Chiefs were given a huge chance to go level in the middle of the second period which Keagan Dolly hoofed from close-range after connecting with Njabulo Blom's delivery.
The Glamour Boys still pushed for the equaliser following the latter minutes through Castro, Nurkovic and Lebogang Manyama, but the Rockets put bodies behind their every avenue.
As the pursuit from the Soweto giants continued, the Rockets preserved their advantage and confirmed the win and a last 16 ticket too.
Confirmed line-ups:
Chiefs: Petersen, Ngezana, Cardoso, Dube, Ntiya-Ntiya, Blom, Nange, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Dolly, Parker, Billiat.
Subs: Bvuma, Mathoho, Castro, Nurkovic, Manyama, Frosler, Agay, Sekgota, Radebe
TS Galaxy: Buthelezi, Sanoka, Seedat, Msimango, Munyai, Hlongwane, Aubaas, Brooks, Mongae, Mbatha, Kwem
Subs: Kolak, Lekay, Mere, M. Mahlangu, Fakude, S. Mahlangu, Mbunjana, Roberts, Filipetto