Galaxy hand Swallows first DStv Premiership loss

TS Galaxy became the first team to defeat Swallows FC in the DStv Premiership this term when they secured a 2-1 win at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The victory took the Rockets to the eighth spot on the league standings, while the Beautiful Birds slipped down to fourth on the table.

The Rockets pressed the Birds as they looked to grab an early goal and they had a chance to score through Lindokuhle Mbatha.

The experienced winger was denied by Swallows goalkeeper Virgil Vries, who was well-positioned to make a save a minute into the game.

Marks Munyai then watched in disbelief as his well-taken shot beat Vries, but the crossbar came to Swallows' rescue in the 21st minute.

Galaxy continued to pile pressure on the visitors and Mbatha hit the side-netting before Vries produced a fine save to deny the troublesome Mbatha after the half-hour mark.

Swallows then stood firm at the back and the score was 0-0 during the half-time break.

The Beautiful Birds came back rejuvenated following their half-time team talk with coach Brandon Truter, and the visitors were awarded a penalty after Zaphaniah Mbokoma was fouled in the box.

Ruzaigh Gamildien then stepped up and beat Galaxy goalkeeper from the spot-kick to make it 1-0 to Swallows five minutes into the second half.

Galaxy coach Owen Da Gama introduced former Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Khaya Shozi just after the hour mark as the hosts looked to level matters.

The momentum was with the Rockets in the closing stages of the match and they managed to level matters through Mbatha.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns winger beat Vries to make it 1-1 after a good run which exposed the Swallows defence with six minutes left on the clock.

The hosts then pushed for the winning goal and they snatched it in the 86th minute when Bevan Fransman scored to seal a 2-1 victory to Galaxy, with Mbatha providing the assist.

Galaxy (0) 2 (Mbatha 84', Fransman 86')
Swallows (0) 1 (Gamildien 50' pen)

Galaxy: Huegh, M. Mahlangu, Fransman, Msimango, Aubaas, Mbunjana, Phohlongo (Shozi 65'), Munyai, Mbatha, Lekay (Nyama 79') Macuphu

Swallows: Vries, Matlaba, Ngcobo, Sibiya, Hlanti, Mahlatsi, Nyatama, Mokoena (Mthethwa 71'), Sekgota (Seabi 81'), Mbokoma (Mosadi 68'), Gamildien (Malinga 81').