Galaxy Storm Into Maiden Top 8 Final
Lebogang Baingapi | Monday February 27, 2017 16:37
Galaxy won the first leg semi-final encounter 1-0. Despite the rain, the match produced exciting football with Thero Setsile giving the hosts the lead in the 23rd minute after a good combination with Morris Ruzivo.
BDX XI were dealt a blow when Othusitse Mpharitlhe had to be withdrawn following a clash of heads with Ruzivo. Kelapile Ndlovu took his place and two minutes later, Matebele drew level through the head of hat-trick hero, Kumbee Katjiteo.
The teams were level at the break, and were unrelenting as the second half began. BDF XI threw in Kumbilani Madziba in place of Bonolo Phuduhudu while Galaxy replaced Tebogo Sembowa with Peter Olangi in the 55th minute.
Galaxy surged ahead two minutes later when Thabang Sesinyi put in a good pass for Olebogeng Malebye who sent Olangi through and the substitute did not make a mistake with his first touch.
But before Galaxy celebrations died down, BDF XI was back on level terms when goalkeeper, Antony Gouws slipped and Katjiteo grabbed his second.
Matebele sent in Boitshoko Zikhale for Kobamelo Kebaikanye in the 67th minute but it was Galaxy who went ahead when Sesinyi found Isaac Paeye who netted in the 69th minute.
But Katjiteo was back to grab his hattrick in the 72nd minute, although there was hint of off side. “We fought tooth and nail but my worry is that we made many mistakes,” BDF XI coach, Nelson Setshwane said.
He said though they lost the game, they remain optimistic and will learn from their mistakes. Mike Sithole of Galaxy was happy with taking Galaxy to their first major final.
“They proved a point and never gave up. Although I was not impressed by their performance, I am happy that we had quality defence and we are ready to move forward,” said Sithole.
Teams:
Galaxy: Gouws, Leinanyane, Sosome (Ohilwe 80), Paeye, Molapi, Mafoko, Malebye, Ruzivo Musonda (84’), Sesinyi, Setsile, Sembowa (Olangi 55’).
BDF XI: Moilwa, Lerole, Mpharitlhe (Ndlovu 25’), Serofo, Molemi, Phuduhudu, Kobe, Katjiteo, Moloi, Phiri, Kebaikanye (Zikhale 67’)
Galaxy 3 (Setsile 23rd, Olangi 57th, Paeye 69th)
BDF IV 3 (Katjiteo 27th, 59th, 87th)