TS Galaxy are through to the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final after beating Sekhukhune United 4-2 in a penalty shootout after it finished goalless in 120 minutes at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Saturday evening.
United had half a chance in the opening five minutes to open the scoring through Siphesihle Mkhize but his attempt went over the bar. In the seventh minute Kgomotso Mosadi had another chance but he hit the side of the net. Five minutes later Lebogang Mabotja found Jamie Webber who passed into the goalkeeper’s hands. Mosadi had another chance but shot wide in the 21st minute. Four minutes later Galaxy turned on the heat with a good build up that resulted in Sphiwe Mahlangu with clear chance to break the deadlock but was denied by Ba bina Noko captain Daniel Cardoso. Brandon Truter made a change replacing Collins Makgaka with Rally Bwalya but that didn’t have an impact. Galaxy got another chance with three minutes to halftime through Higor Vidal but the ball was an easy pick for Badra Sangare leaving the game locked at 0-0 at the break.
The second half was another tale of exchanging of possession between the sides but not making any real threats. Chibukwe Ohizu who came on for Mosadi had chance but his header was handled well by the opposing keeper. In the 71st minute Nyiko Mobbie tried to connect with Ohizu in the box but Fiacre Ntwari got to the ball first and punched it away. Elias Mokwana could have also given the hosts a lead in the 15th minute but was denied by the Galaxy defense with a clearance.
Galaxy striker Samir Nurkovic found Mahlangu in the box in the 84th minute but the latter’s effort didn’t count for anything as it was cleared by the Limpopo side. Two minutes later it was United’s turn with Kamohelo Mokotjo taking a shot from range but it went wide forcing the matches into extra time.
The start of extra time saw a bit of urgency from the home side. Mobbie was fouled in the 94th minute gaining his side a free kick, Webber stepped up but his kick was blocked resulting in a corner. Nothing came from the corner as Webber side netted. The visitors had a golden opportunity to steal the game in the 101st minute when sub Lindokuhle Mbatha found Nurkovic who was in a perfect position to score but his powerful effort struck the crossbar.
In the opening minutes of the second half of extra time Galaxy Captain Mlungisi Mbunjana gave away a set-piece after fouling Webber. Webber took the kick from distance but Ntwari punched it away.
With two minutes to go, another dangerous set piece was given away by Macbeth Mahlangu just outside the area, but Webber’s attempt was thwarted by the wall.
And so penalties were needed to decide the final semi-finalist, and just before the final whistle, Sekhukhune brought on Ntokozo Mtshweni for Badra Ali Sangare for the shootout.
But it wasn’t to be for Mtshweni as he watched as Webber missed the first penalty, while Ntwari saved from Mahlangu, and Galaxy scored all of their spot kicks.
