TS Galaxy progressed to the Carling Knockout final after defeating AmaZulu 3-2 in an entertaining semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Carling Knockout
Result: AmaZulu 2-3 TS Galaxy
Date: 03 December 2023
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Usuthu recalled former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein, as one of the two changes that included Mondli Mbanjwa after their narrow loss to Stellenbosch.
The Rockets, similarly, made two changes as goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was brought back alongside Kganyane Letsoenyo, following their win over Polokwane City.
Sead Ramovic's charges had a perfect start after Lehlohonolo Mojela gave them the lead within the first two minutes with a diagonal strike into the bottom corner after a through ball by Mpho Mvelase.
As the game opened up, Ekstein had a big chance 20 minutes later after also going clear on goal but he was denied by Ntwari in a one-on-one.
Six minutes later, Mojela was instrumental in the second goal for Galaxy on after he went down in the box from a challenge by shot-stopper Veli Mothwa, which resulted into a penalty. Higor Vidal made no mistake for the Rockets, as he placed his spot-kick into the top corner.
Ntwari was massive for Galaxy in goal, as he made two successive saves after that and denied Junior Dion from point-blank range on the stroke of half-time and preserved a two-goal cushion for the visitors.
Usuthu made an attacking change at half-time as Augustine Kwem replaced Ekstein and the hosts threatened going forward.
However, Galaxy also did not hold back forward, as just before the hour-mark they brought on Samir Nurkovic in place of Vidal.
AmaZulu's pressure finally paid off 16 minutes before time as Kwem pulled a goal back with a strike in the box after he was setup by Dion.
The game was on the edge in the closing stages, as Martin's men were desperate for the equaliser but Nurkovic sealed the game for the visitors as he restored their two-goal cushion in stoppage time.
Dion pulled a goal back for AmaZulu immediately thereafter but it was too little too late, as Galaxy went through to the final.
The Rockets will face Stellenbosch in the final after their 3-0 win over Richards Bay in the other semi-final on Saturday.
Here's how they lined up:
AmaZulu: Mothwa Jooste, Mphahlele, Gumede, Hanamub, Mbanjwa, Mobara, Brooks, Eskstein, Ngema, Dion
Subs: Mzimela, Zulu, Fielies, Hlangabeza, Human, Ndlovu, Moremi, Letsoalo, Kwem
TS Galaxy: Ntwari, Munyai, Sanoka, Mahlangu, Letsoenyo, Mvelase, Khiba, Vidal, Sebelebele, Mojela, S. Mahlangu.
Subs: Kolak, Seema, Nurkovic, Mongae, Mbatha, Radebe, Rakwena, Gabuza, Semache
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
