TS Galaxy came from a goal down to defeat Golden Arrows 3-1 in a DStv Premiership match played at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday evening.
Abafana Bes’thende found themselves in the early ascendancy thanks to a strike from debutant Moyela Libamba, but the Rockets responded to lead 2-1 at the break via Thato Khiba and Lehlohonolo Mojela, with Samir Nurkovic adding a third late on.
Halfway there, leading with determination. Let's finish strong! 🚀@aQuelle @aQuelleViV#Siyadumuza #TheRockets #TSG pic.twitter.com/BMEY3VHBCo
— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) February 18, 2024
The result sees Galaxy rise to seventh spot on 24 points, while Arrows dropped to ninth on 23 points.
The visitors got off to a great start, claiming the lead as early as the seventh minute: fine work from Sibusiso Sibeko down the left flank teed up a chance for Libamba, who impressively fired a shot beyond the reach of Galaxy goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari for 1-0.
Galaxy were stunned by the early strike, but gradually began to find their attacking rhythm, with the likes of Higor Vidal and Lindokuhle Mbatha becoming more and more influential as the first half wore on.
And the Rockets duly levelled the game at 1-1 in the 36th minute, as a slick passing move put Solomon Letsoenyo free down the left – his low cross was smartly dummied by Mojela, allowing Khiba to crack a fine shot into the top corner.
Galaxy continued to play the better football and were rewarded with a second goal on the stroke of halftime, as Mojela got on the end of another excellent cross from Letsoenyo and headed beyond the reach of goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana for a 2-1 lead.
The hosts almost extended their advantage just over minutes after the restart in the second half, with Vidal twisting and turning in the penalty area before getting away a shot from a tight angle which struck the frame of the goal.
Galaxy kept up their attacking intent through the second half and found the net for a third time when substitute Samir Nurkovic was teed up by Mojela and fired home – via a deflection off a defender – to make it 3-1 and wrap up the scoring in the 85th minute.
85' Nurkovic with a strong strike on the near post, takes a deflection of Mwengani and the home side extend their lead
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) February 18, 2024
TSG 3️⃣-1️⃣ LGA | #SthendeWay #10betGoldenArrows #DStvPrem #10betZa pic.twitter.com/AmkUee3hVL
These teams will face each other again in the Nedbank Cup, meeting in a round of 32 clash at the Mbombela Stadium on the evening of Friday, 23 February.
TS Galaxy (2) 3 (Khiba 36’, Mojela 45+2’, Nurkovic 85’)
Golden Arrows (1) 1 (Libamba 7’)
Galaxy: Ntwari, Radebe (Munyai 57’), M. Mahlangu, Sanoka, Letsoenyo, Dithejane (Sebelebele 43’), Mvelase, Vidal (Mongae 79’), Khiba, Mojela, Mbatha (Nurkovic 79’)
Arrows: Mlungwana, Libamba (Nguse 79’), Shitolo, Mantshiyane, Lukhele, Dube (Ncube 79’), Zwane (Sibiya 58’), Sibeko (Motloung 79’), Mgwengani, Mutizwa (Mthanti 46’), Malinga