TS Galaxy delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday evening, defeating AmaZulu FC 3–1 in their DStv Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium. The Rockets impressed with sharp attacking play, disciplined defending, and another stellar showing from goalkeeper Ira Tapé.

First Half: Mahlambi Breaks the Deadlock

The game started with intensity, as both sides looked to settle quickly. AmaZulu carved out the first real chance in the 4th minute when Thando Ngwenya’s shot from close range was blocked. Just minutes later, AmaZulu’s Sandile Mthethwa and Taariq Fielies both tried their luck from distance, but neither troubled Tapé.

The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute. Khulumani Ndamane threaded a perfect through ball into the path of Seluleko Mahlambi, who calmly slotted past Richard Ofori to make it 1–0 for Galaxy. The Rockets pushed for more, with Mpho Mvelase and Sphesihle Maduna firing narrowly wide.

AmaZulu responded with chances of their own, notably a 34th-minute strike from Thabiso Kutumela that Tapé saved brilliantly. The Rockets’ defence remained resilient, and they carried their 1–0 lead into halftime.

Second Half: Own Goal Boosts Galaxy

Galaxy doubled its advantage early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Keegan Allan turned the ball into his own net under pressure, gifting Galaxy a 2–0 lead.

AmaZulu almost struck back moments later when Thando Ngwenya rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot from inside the box. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute, when Ngwenya made amends with a fine header into the top corner from Hendrick Ekstein’s cross, reducing the deficit to 2–1.

Keita Seals the Win

The visitors’ hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 80th minute. Substitute Mory Keita latched onto a clever through ball from Junior Zindoga and finished clinically into the bottom corner to restore Galaxy’s two-goal cushion at 3–1.

AmaZulu continued to test Tapé late in the game, but the Ivorian goalkeeper stood firm, producing several key saves against Bayanda Thabede and Riaan Hanamub. Despite five minutes of added time, the visitors could not find a way back.

A Vital Three Points

The final whistle confirmed a deserved 3–1 victory for TS Galaxy. Mahlambi’s opener, Allan’s own goal, and Keita’s composed finish were enough to secure all three points. The Rockets showed strong balance between attack and defence, keeping their momentum alive in the league.

TS Galaxy will take confidence from this result as they look ahead to their next challenge, while AmaZulu are left to regroup after a frustrating evening in Mpumalanga.