TS Galaxy returned to winning ways in the DStv Premiership this week, as the Rockets recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Polokwane City at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Galaxy were clinical in their pursuit of three points this weekend, as goals by Sphiwe Mahlangu, Mpho Mvelase and Samir Nurkovic excited an animated Sead Ramovic on the touchline.
The Rockets saw most of the ball during opening stages of the game and immediately put the visitors under pressure with slick interplay on the edge of the penalty area.
TS Galaxy created a couple of goalscoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes, with Mahlangu troubling Langelihle Ndlovu on the left-flank.
The Rockets pressure paid off in the 12th minute, as Mahlangu got his name on the scoresheet. Following a corner situation, the attacker latched onto a Higo Vidal’s inswinger as the Polokwane City goalkeeper watched the ball cross the line.
Polokwane City kicked into gear as the half-hour mark approached and often dominated the ball possession count. Galaxy were happy to surrender the ball during this period and looked to hit the travelling side on the break.
Despite being a goal down, Rise and Shine continued to ask questions going forward and provided the hosts with a number of nervy moments when playing on the backfoot. The Rockets came close to doubling their lead shortly before the break, as Kamogelo Sebelebele’s left-footed shot on the edge of the area was parried over the crossbar by Manuel Sapunga.
Polokwane City dominated play after the restart and put Galaxy under pressure from the word go. Similarly, to that of in the first half, the Rockets seemed content with defending their quarters.
However, Galaxy looked dangerous in transitional play, while their counter-attacking tactic caused problems to the Rise and Shine backline. After an hour played at the Mbombela Stadium, Polokwane City struggled to make the most of their attacking opportunities, while Galaxy pushed on for a second.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 69th minute with Mvelase joining Mahlangu on the goal scorers list. After yet another accurate corner delivery from Vidal, the defender rose highest and guided the ball home with a powerful header just outside the six-yard box.
Mvelase’s effort seemed to have given Galaxy a confidence booster, as the home team began stroking the ball around with style. As the cherry on top for Galaxy, Samir Nurkovic added his name to the scoresheet with a sublime overhead kick in stoppage time.
Void of confidence, Polokwane City battled to cope with Galaxy’s bite in the middle of the park as the hosts kicked into game-management mode. Nevertheless, the Rockets did enough to see out the tie with three points in the bag.