TS Galaxy moved into the top eight of the DStv Premiership as they beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 at the Mbombela Stadium.
It was a major setback for fourth-placed Pirates’ hopes of finishing second (and even third), as they remain four points behind second-placed AmaZulu, and are behind third-placed Golden Arrows on goal difference.
Galaxy move above Baroka into eighth spot. They are two points ahead of Baroka now, and just three points behind seventh-placed Cape Town City.
TS Galaxy 1-0 Orlando Pirates
Galaxy got off to the ideal start when Masilake Phohlongo headed them into the lead in just the third minute of the game.
Tshegofatso Nyama almost made it two in the 15th minute, but his shot took a deflection and went wide. Lindokuhle Mbatha had a chance five minutes later, but it lacked power and Siyabonga Mpontshane saved.
Pirates came close to equalising in the 27th minute, as Gabadinho Mhango’s snap shot from close range struck the upright.
Things got tougher for Pirates on the half hour mark when Abel Mabaso picked a second yellow card, and Josef Zinnbauer’s team were reduced to ten men. It could’ve got worse as there was a heated moment between Mhango and Pogiso Sanoka off the ball, but referee Abongile Tom calmed things down.
Galaxy were reduced to ten men as well just before half-time, as captain Given Msimango picked up a second yellow card for a handball.
Vincent Pule tried a long range effort in the 46th minute, but Marlon Heugh was on hand to make the save.
1-0 to Galaxy at the break, with both sides down a player.
Pirates were close to levelling matters five minutes into the second half, but Mhango was denied by a good save from Heugh. In the 56th minute Heugh was at it again, making a top finger tip save to deny Wayde Jooste from long range.
Thembinkosi Lorch had a chance in the 70th minute, but his final shot let him down and he sent it wide.
While the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser, Galaxy’s defence held firm and Da Gama’s team picked up the valuable three points.
