Sekhukhune and Galaxy share the spoils as Top 3 and Top 8 races heat up

Sekhukhune United remained third in the Betway Premiership standings after drawing 1–1 with TS Galaxy at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Sekhukhune, who dominated for the better part of the game, will be disappointed by the result, as three points would have aided their Top 3 ambitions. Galaxy, meanwhile, will know that they have to improve in their last two matches if they are to finish in the top eight this season, after recently taking their foot off the gas.

Before the official removal of Royal AM by the PSL from the log, declaring their campaign null and void, Galaxy and Sekhukhune were battling for third position. But the updated log has seen Sekhukhune occupy the coveted spot with 41 points, seven ahead of fifth-placed Galaxy, who have played two games more.

Babina Noko showed their intentions of consolidating their position right from the outset, threatening against the run of play. Sipho Mbule personified his 'Master Chef' nickname in this game, cooking up scintillating passes which unfortunately went to waste, as they were not converted.

It was after a scramble inside the box that the visitors nearly scored, with Ngoanamello Rammala latching onto a loose ball before forcing a save from Tape Ira. Ira’s clearance was intercepted by Keletso Makgalwa, who unleashed the rebound back at Ira, forcing another save to keep his side in the game.

Despite dominating possession and scoring chances, Sekhukhune still had nothing to show for their efforts, much to the delight of Galaxy, whose chances were few and far between.

The Rockets, who were the hosts this afternoon, had a lone chance to score in the first half courtesy of Victor Letsoalo. Damir Šovšić sent a cross into the box, which found Letsoalo, who beat his marker, only for his shot at goal to be blocked by goalkeeper Ronaldo Leaner with his feet.

The first half must have been bittersweet for Sekhukhune’s coach, Eric Tinkler, as his team played well but lacked the Midas touch in the final third. Tinkler returned with the same players for the second half, while his counterpart, Adnan Beganovic, realised there was a loophole in the midfield and plugged it by introducing Mlungisi Mbunjana.

The introduction of Mbunjana indeed stabilised the engine room. As such, players such as Puso Dithenjane played with more freedom and were a threat going forward.

However, for all of their newly found resurgence, Galaxy failed to be clinical, with Nhlanhla Mgaga, for example, delaying to take a shot at goal when that looked to be the best possible option.

Babina Noko punished Galaxy for their wastefulness, as Keletso Makgalwa left his markers for dust in the box before putting through Chibuike Ohizu, who toe-poked the ball home. Galaxy responded, as Marks Munyai sent in a cross which found Kamogelo Sebelebele, whose shot came off the inside of the upright before rolling into the back of the net.

And that was how things ended in a sunny Soweto, as the two teams hung on for a draw that did little to help either side's aspirations.

Scorers

TS GALAXY (0) 1

Sebelebele 70’

SEKHUKHUNE United (0) 1

Ohizu 65’