Golden Arrows are through to the Carling Knockout semi-finals after a
hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini
Stadium on Sunday.
In a match of shifting momentum, it was the visitors who struck first.
Against the run of early play, TS Galaxy’s Sphesihle Maduna broke the
deadlock in the 20th minute, scoring his first goal for the club.
Arrows suffered a further setback just before halftime when Thokozani
Lukhele was forced off with an injury. However, the home side responded with
immediate resolve, as Oumar Komara found the equalizer a minute before the
interval, sending the teams into the break level.
The second half was a tense affair, with both sides pushing for a winner but
lacking the final touch. The drama peaked in the 77th minute when Arrows’
Siyanda Ndlovu saw his thunderous strike cannon off the crossbar, ensuring
the match would require extra time.
The decisive moment arrived in the 99th minute. A scramble in the TS Galaxy
box culminated in Ayabulela Maxwele pouncing at the far post to tap in the
winning goal, sending Abafana Besthende and their fans into delirium and
booking their place in the final four of the competition.
Lineups:
Golden Arrows: T. Mbanjwa, Lukhele (Phillips 40′), Jiyane, P. Khumalo, S.
Cele, Komara, Maxwele, Dlamini, Ndlovu, Cisse, Dion.
Subs: Ngcobo, Phillips, Maluleke, Mantshiyane, Kobedi, Van Rooi, Sibiya,
Karelse, Sithole.
TS Galaxy: Ira, Fisher, Mahlangu, Ndamane, Sibande, Mbunjana, Maduna,
Mvelase, Dithejane, Zindoga, Mahlambi.
Subs: Maseti, Motaung, Zulu, Letsoenyo, Dlamini, Mgaga, Moletshe, Ouamri,
Keita.
