TS Galaxy lose Betway Premiership opener at Mbombela Stadium

TS Galaxy’s Betway Premiership campaign got off to a poor start, with a 2-0 defeat to Durban City at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, August 10. Their starting line-up was unchanged from their previous game against Sekhukhune United, as they welcomed the newly promoted Durban City. The Rockets have only won one of their opening matches in this league since their debut in the 2020/21 season. They have drawn three times and lost twice.

This was the second league opener TS Galaxy have lost. The Rockets usually score one goal in their opening games, but they have never scored more than two.

The team showed resilience, but Durban City’s defence held firm. In the fourth minute, goalkeeper Darren Keet denied TS Galaxy’s Puso Dithenjane, saving his cross from the left just outside the box.

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In response, Durban City took a counter attack after Keet passed the ball to Joslin Kamatuka of Durban City, who lost it before he could enter the Rockets’ 18-area. In the seventh minute, TS Galaxy built an attack from the back, but Dithenjane’s ball was blocked by one of City’s defenders.

The Rockets’ Nhlanhla Mgaga got an opportunity in the box, but because of the position of the ball he could not capitalise on it. City’s defenders cleared the ball, which fell to TS Galaxy’s Mpho Mvelase, who was tightly marked.

In the 18th minute, Siphesihle Maduna of TS Galaxy’s ball was saved by Keet when the Rockets attacked once more. Trevor Mokwena of Durban City missed his chance at the goal when his free header went over the post after a cross in the 27th minute. He was alone in the box.

The Rockets’ striker, Victor Letsoalo, hit the outside net in the 40th minute, leaving the fans wondering how he missed such a promising strike, and a chance to take the lead. In the 42nd minute, the Rockets got a set piece in City’s half but Macbeth Mahlangu of TS Galaxy failed to capitalise.

City’s defence cleared the ball out of play, resulting in a corner kick. The game went to half-time with the scoreboard standing at 0-0.

Durban City opened the second half with a goal from Samkelo Maseko in the 46th minute, after the ball played from the centre of the field. TS Galaxy dominated possession in the second half.

In the 57th minute, Durban City created another opportunity to extend their lead but Kamatuka’s kick was saved by Ira Tapé. Haashim Domingo’s cross from the corner spot gave Mfanafuthi Mkhize of Durban City a chance to extend City’s lead.

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TS Galaxy continued looking for a comeback goal, but City’s defence fiercely protected their lead. The match ended 2-0. TS Galaxy are at the bottom of the league after one match, while Durban City claimed the second spot.

TS Galaxy will face Sekhukhune United on Wednesday, August 13, while Durban City will play Chippa United.