TS Galaxy defence holds out against Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium
Over 31 000 fans attended the match.
TS Galaxy’s excellent defence earned them a goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The match started 30 minutes late to allow the fans who were still in transit to get to the stadium.
Amakhosi had the lion’s share of the possession and were far more offensive than The Rockets.
Chiefs also had the majority of the 31 210 fans in the stadium cheering for them. But they were denied victory by a dogged TS Galaxy defence, much to the delight of the small contingent of their fans who had gathered at their regular spot on the west grandstand.
The Rockets made 10 successful tackles and 26 clearances.
What made TS Galaxy’s hard-fought draw more remarkable was that they played with 10 men for 34 minutes. Marks Munyai received his second yellow and an automatic red card for a dangerous tackle.
Chiefs created 15 scoring opportunities in the match, but only two were on target. TS Galaxy only managed three shots, of which one was on target.
Despite scoring four goals against Golden Arrows the weekend before, the home team attack lacked cohesion and precision. They simply could not push up enough to be a danger.
Amakhosi were hot out of the blocks and their first shot on target off the boot of Keagan Dolly. TS Galaxy keeper Vasilije Kolak made an instinctive save.
The Rockets’ only goal-scoring opportunity came in the 31st minute when Djakaridja Traoré’s shot was saved by Chiefs’ goalkeeper, Sifiso Hlanti.
Munyai struck a powerful left-footed shot at goal on 38 minutes, but Kolak was perfectly positioned to make
the save.
The second half did not produce a single shot on target for either team, but Chiefs had the better of the play.
The Amakhozi fans raised the volume after Munyai went off, encouraging their team to score the winning goal.
It was not to be and The Rockets’ defence held out.
Kaizer Chiefs are in fifth place on the log with 28 points.
TS Galaxy are 10th on 23 points. They are two points from the relegation zone, but also only one point from the top eight.
TS Galaxy will host Amavarara in the round of 32 of the Nedbank Cup at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday at 15:00.
