TS Galaxy overpowered AmaZulu 2-1 in a DStv Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night, and propelled themselves into the top half of the table.The Rockets claimed the win thanks to a brace of goals from striker Junior Traore, with the result taking them up to seventh place on the log, while Usuthu dropped to ninth after a fourth successive league game without a victory.
After a somewhat tentative opening from both teams, AmaZulu had the first shot on target in the 18th minute when Dumisani Zuma drove a low volley from outside the box, but Galaxy goalkeeper Vailije Kolak made a comfortable save.
The visitors gradually began to find their rhythm in attack and they earned a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Sphiwe Mahlangu was caught by the trailing foot of Thembela Sikhakhane. Junior Traore took the spot kick and fired past goalkeeper Veli Mothwa for 1-0 in the 35th minute.
AmaZulu responded well to going behind and dominated the remainder of the first half, spurning a good chance to level the game in the 41st minute when Zuma turned in the penalty area and got away a left-footed shot, but the ball flashed over the crossbar.
Usuthu picked up in the second half where they left off in the first, but Galaxy provided a potent threat on the counter, and claimed a second goal on 56 minutes when substitute Lindokuhle Mbatha clipped in a cross from the left which was headed home by Traore for 2-0.
AmaZulu opted for attacking changes just after the hour mark, introducing Bonginkosi Ntuli and Guily Manziba in an effort to get back into the match. The former had a sight of goal on 70 minutes when he was found by a Thabo Qalinge cross, but his volley flashed high and wide of the mark.
By this stage Galaxy had gone into game management mode, looking to control possession and frustrate the hosts, but AmaZulu pulled a goal back in the 84th minute when Sede Dion stabbed home from close range, latching onto a rebound after Keagan Buchanan’s shot was blocked by a defender.
Usuthu pushed hard for an equaliser in what remained of the match, but Galaxy were able to hold out and secure a 2-1 triumph.
AmaZulu will return to DStv Premiership action next weekend with another Saturday night home clash, this time against derby rivals Royal AM, while Galaxy’s next league clash is away to Marumo Gallants on March 4.