A wonderful goal from Thabo Matlaba guided Royal AM to a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy for their first win in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
Galaxy made one change from the win over Kaizer Chiefs, with Lifa Hlongwane coming in for Higor Vidal, while the host gave a debut to young defender Ayanda Jiyane following their loss to Stellenbosch FC.
The Rockets were enterprising on the counter-attack earlier on as Hlongwane intercepted a loose pass to combine with Lindokuhle Mbatha, but nothing materialised.
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Soon at the other end, the host had a look in where Motebang Sera grabbed possession in a tight space before dragging over Vasilije Kolak's goal.
Sera sadly wasn't able to carry on playing shortly after the half-hour mark following a suspected injury and was replaced by Ruzaigh Gamildien.
The Rockets continued to have chances before the break as a pacey opening granted Bernard Parker the chance to find the bottom-corner, but he failed to beat the man in goal Xolani Ngcobo.
Royal AM coach John Maduka brought in Mfundo Thikazi after halftime, while the Rockets instituted Sphiwe Mahlangu and Thabang Rakwena as the match remained evenly balanced.
Thwihli Thwahla were unfortunate not to go ahead as Thikazi's first-time shot from a tight angle ten minutes later trickled off Lesego Manganyi and onto the woodwork before Kolak collected.
Thikazi was involved again over 62 minutes played after he laid off a pass to Thabo Matlaba to run in-field and give Kolak no chance with a solid finish for the opening goal.
Galaxy remained calm despite falling behind, as Mahlangu missed the chance to draw level when he slammed over an inviting opportunity following a defensive error late on.
Thwihli Thwahla survived the pressure coming their way and handed Galaxy their first defeat of the season whilst picked up their maiden victory of the campaign.
Confirmed line-ups:
Royal AM: Ngcobo, Mabuza, Jiyane, Manganyi, Mahlasela, Dlamini, Matlaba, Mogaila, Cele, Magaga, Sera
Subs: Mpoto, Thikazi, Ncobeni, Maxwele, Sithlole, Mkhize, Msomi, Masuku, Gamildien
TS Galaxy: Kolak, Mvelase, Sanoka, M.Mahlangu, Letsoenyo, Mbatha, Hlongwane, Mbunjana, Mojela, Sebelebele, Parker
Subs: Radebe, Seema, Rakwena, S.Mahlangu, Khiba, Mere, Gabuza, Ntwari, Kabini
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