TS Galaxy returned to winning form in the Betway Premiership with a 3-1 triumph over AmaZulu FC at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets claimed a fourth win from their last five league outings thanks to an opener from Seluleko Mahlambi, own goal from Keegan Allan and a late strike from Mory Keita, rising to fourth place on the log standings – seven points adrift of leaders Sekhukhune United, but with a game in hand.
As for Usuthu, this result ends a four-game unbeaten run and sees them drop to ninth place – two points behind their opponents.
Galaxy offered the first attacking threat in the seventh minute, with Phuso Dithejane’s pass almost putting Mpho Mvelase in a position to score, but AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori came quickly off his line to make a block at the attacker’s feet.
However, just five minutes later, the Rockets claimed the lead via Seluleko Mahlambi, who superbly controlled a long ball into the penalty area from Khulumani Ndamane before providing a cheeky finish past Ofori for 1-0.
AmaZulu looked to draw level in the 34th minute, as they put Thabiso Kutumela into space on the left of the penalty area, but his low drive was denied by a fine save from Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape.
Galaxy enjoyed a 1-0 lead at the interval, and they needed less than four minutes of the second stanza to double their advantage, with Mahlambi breaking free down the right and unselfishly squaring to try and find Dithejane, but Keegan Allan attempted to intercept and unfortunately directed the ball into his own net.
Usuthu nearly got themselves back in the game in the 51st minute, with Kutumela’s cross from the right helped goal-ward by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, but his effort clipped the top of the crossbar.
Just before the midway point of the second half, AmaZulu suffered a further blow when midfielder Siyanda Hlangabeza picked up a second yellow card and was sent off – leaving the visitors to complete the game with just 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Usuthu pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, as Ngwenya headed home from Hendrick Ekstein’s free kick.
Galaxy killed off any hopes AmaZulu had of a heroic comeback, as substitute Mory Keita stabbed home a shot in the 80th minute to make it 3-1, completing a sweeping attacking move from the hosts.
Usuthu had a string of chances to pull another goal back in the dying minutes, as Galaxy eased off the throttle, but ultimately the match ended 3-1 in favour of the Rockets.
These teams are scheduled to be back in Premiership action next midweek in catch-up fixtures, with AmaZulu away to Kaizer Chiefs and Galaxy visiting Orlando Pirates.
TS Galaxy (1) 3 (Mahlambi 12’, Allan og 49’, Keita 80’)
AmaZulu FC (0) 1 (Ngwenya 70’)
GALAXY: Tape, Norman, Mahlangu, Ndamane, Sibande, Mbunjana, Maduna (Dlamini 76’), Mahlambi (Oumari 85’), Mgaga (Zindoga 70’), Dithejane (Moletshe 85’), Mvelase (Keita 76’)
AMAZULU: Ofori, Allan, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hanamub, Mbanjwa, Hlangabeza, Radebe (Maqokola 61’), Ekstein (Sithole 85’), Kutumela (Thabede 61’), Ngwenya (Matlhoko 85’)
