TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United played to a lively 1-1 draw in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon, as the Rockets hosted Babina Noko at the Mbombela Stadium.
As the referee blew the first half whistle, Sekhukhune immediately looked to assemble a sequence of passes together. Babina Noko thus created a couple of goal scoring opportunities and made way in the Rockets penalty area.
Most of the action transpired in the Galaxy half as Sekhukhune penned the hosts back during the early exchanges of the encounter. There were very little to separate the two teams with around 10 minutes on the clock, however, it was Sekhukhune who played the more progressive football.
As the dust settled, TS Galaxy slowly got into the swing of things and began seeing more of the ball. In looking to build-up play from the back, the Rockets carved out a couple of a goalscoring opportunities after the 15 minute mark however, Sekhukhune proved to be a tough nut to crack early on.
Galaxy drew first blood in the 26th minute, as Xola Mlambo had his name jotted down in the goalscorer column. In collecting the ball on the edge of the Sekhukhune area, Bernard Parker unleashed a powerful shot that proved to be too hot to handle for Toaster Nsabata, while Mlambo pounced in putting the ball into the back of the net.
With wind in their sails, Galaxy moved forward with purpose as Parker’s deliveries into the box caused problems for the travelling outfit. Nsabata was called to action a few more times after conceding the goal but did well to manage situations.
Against the run of play, Sekhukhune were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute and subsequently drew level courtesy of a calmly taken effort by Victor Letsoalo. TS Galaxy remained positive and searched for a goal immediately after conceding but was unable to breach the Babina Noko black line. With a goal a piece, the referee called time on what was an eventful first 45.
The Rockets got off to a flyer in the second half and put Sekhukhune on the back foot with a couple of attempts at goal. In fact, an effort by Djakarida Traore was cleared off the Babina Noko goal line, which was correctly dealt with by the referee and linesman.
Briefly after the hour mark, Bathusi Aubaas was presented with one of the best chances of the match as his right-footed shot inside the area sky rocketed over the bar after starting into an open net.
As the 75th minute approached, the game fizzled out in a period where both teams produced little action from an attacking point of view. Regarding statistics, Galaxy had the lion’s share of possession, however, Babina Noko recorded more shots at goal.
In attempts to change the complex of the tie, both Galaxy and Sekhukhune made a couple of attacking reinforcements late on in the tie, with the likes of Tashreeq Morris and Orebotse Mongae summoned from the bench.
With 90 minutes on the clock, Galaxy maintained their possession style of football in going forward while Sekhukhune opted to go long. Babina Noko appeared to have benefited the most from their tactical change and manufactured two golden opportunities to take the lead. Despite the late waves of attacks, Galaxy held on as the two teams shared the spoils at the Mbombela Stadium.
TS Galaxy: (1) 1 (Mlambo 26’)
Sekhukhune United:(1) 1 (Letsoalo 34’)
Galaxy: Buthelezi, Mahlangu, Nyama, Msimango, Sebelebele, Mlambo (Hlongwane 46’), Mbunjana, Parker (Mahlangu 87’), Aubaas, Teto, Traore (Mongae 72’)
Sekhukhune: Nsabata, Mkhabela, Ntiya-Ntiya, Cardoso, Motsepe, Mntambo, Leepile (Mahlangu 63’), Mokwana (Madonsela 80’), Shai (Morris 70’), Letsoalo, Mncube
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