GU end 1,050-day Fortress Galaxy reign to sieze control
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday February 24, 2026 06:00
Ivan Kamberipa’s towering 66th-minute header not only separated the two sides but also shattered a fortress that had stood firm in league competition since April 8, 2023.
The victory lifted GU three points clear at the summit with 30 points still to play for, firmly shifting control of the title race into the champions’ hands.
The stakes had been perfectly balanced at kick-off, with both sides level on 44 points, Galaxy ahead only on goal difference. But by full-time, GU had turned the tables and placed themselves firmly in the driving seat heading into the final 10 matches.
There was added intrigue on the benches, with Sean Connor facing the Galaxy side he coached earlier this season, while Dimitar Pantev stood in the opposite technical area against the club he led to league glory last term.
That familiarity produced a cautious opening, with both teams cancelling each other out in a tense first half that offered few clear chances.
Galaxy threatened early in the second half when substitute Godfrey Tauyatswala forced goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko into a sharp save at the near post, but it was GU who delivered the decisive moment. Kamberipa rose above his markers to power home Ambrosius Amseb’s corner, stunning the home crowd and ultimately deciding the contest.
The defeat ended one of the most formidable home records in recent league history, with Galaxy suffering their first league loss on home soil in nearly two years.
Despite the setback, Pantev insisted that his side’s title ambitions remain intact.
“I did not know about this record, and maybe I am the wrong man. But I do not think this result will put us under pressure or make the players lose confidence.
“We know we are a good team, and there are enough matches left. Every team will make mistakes, and I believe we will improve,' he said.
Connor, meanwhile, praised his players but warned against complacency. He said his side has the title in their hands and would need to win their remaining games.
The teams:
Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Moagi Sechele, Larona Modisaemang, Lesego Kereedilwe, Chicco Molefe, Manda Nongo (Onkabetse Makgantai), Dynamo Fredericks (Nkosi Ngxabi), Gift Moyo (Tshepo Keselebale), Thabang Sesinyi, Omaatla Kebatho, Neo Mokhachane
GU: Thabo Motswagole, Alphord Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Johnson, Ambrosius Amseb, Karabo Phiri, Omphile Ramoagi (Mpho Kgaswane), Thabo Maponda (Thatayaone Kgamanyane), Sheikh Sesay (Thabang Khuduga), Ibrohim Youssouf (Godfrey Tauyatswala)