PSL round-up: TS Galaxy, Golden Arrows win as SuperSport draw with Chippa

Here is a round-up of all matches:

Arrows triumph in thriller to claim KZN Derby bragging rights

Golden Arrows edged out Royal AM in a thrilling 3-2 victory on Tuesday evening to claim the KwaZulu-Natal derby honours.

The encounter, originally scheduled for earlier, was delayed until 9:00 PM due to traffic causing late arrivals for the match officials and the Arrows squad. Despite the setback, Royal AM made a lightning start, capitalising on defensive confusion in the Arrows' penalty area. Sibusiso Magaqa pounced on a mix-up between Mboava and Keenan Phillips to fire home the opener after just three minutes.

Arrows sought a quick response, and Velemseni Ndwandwe came closest with a surging run into the box, but Royal AM goalkeeper Zakahle Ngcobo made a crucial reflex save to maintain the lead. The first half was characterised by relentless pressure from Arrows, but poor decision-making and Ngcobo's heroics left Mabhuti Khanyeza's charges frustrated.

The second half saw tactical adjustments from both sides. Arrows introduced Menzi Masuku, a former Royal AM player, while Royal AM replaced Magaqa with Mzwandile Dlamini. The match took a dramatic turn on 70 minutes when Royal AM's Motebang Ser was sent off for a handball in the box. Ryan Moon coolly slotted home the resulting penalty to level the score.

Just two minutes later, Arrows completed the comeback. Sbangani Zulu's incisive run and cross found Moon, who nodded in from close range for his brace, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Royal AM rallied and equalised in the 85th minute through veteran Thabo Matlaba, who converted a penalty after a foul in the box. However, Arrows had the final say in the 88th minute. Masuku's clever back-heel deflected off Ngcobo and into the net, securing all three points for Arrows in a pulsating encounter.

This victory underlined Arrows' resilience and lifted them into a stronger position in the Betway Premiership standings, leaving Royal AM to reflect on missed opportunities.

TS Galaxy soar past Sekhukhune United

Adnan Beganovic made an impressive debut as TS Galaxy head coach, guiding his side to a convincing 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United in Tuesday night's Betway Premiership clash.

The Rockets started brightly at Mbombela Stadium, pressing Sekhukhune from the outset. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the first half when Dzenan Zajmovic's powerful strike cannoned off the crossbar and deflected into the net off Tresor Yamba to make it 1-0.

Galaxy maintained their dominance, doubling their lead before the break. Zajmovic turned provider, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Victor Letsoalo, who unleashed a sublime looping shot from the edge of the box to beat goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.

Sekhukhune, bolstered by the return of key players like Daniel Cardoso and Njabulo Ngcobo, struggled to create meaningful chances. Head coach Lehlohonolo Seema responded by introducing Lesedi Kapinga at half-time in a bid to inject energy into Babina Noko's attack.

The tactical shift initially appeared promising, but Galaxy remained lethal on the counter. Zajmovic sealed the win in the 65th minute with his second goal, finishing clinically after a swift transition. The Rockets then handed a debut to former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly, who replaced the influential Zajmovic.

Sekhukhune's struggles continued in the closing stages, though Kapinga did manage a consolation goal in stoppage time with a precise low drive from the edge of the area.

Galaxy's victory marked their first of the season, leaving fans optimistic about Beganovic's tenure. With an efficient attack and solid defensive structure, the Rockets appear ready to climb the Premiership table.

SuperSport United and Chippa share the spoils

SuperSport United extended their unbeaten streak to three matches in the Betway Premiership following a goalless draw against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The encounter marked the return of SuperSport's talisman, Bradley Grobler, who featured for the first time since picking up an injury in the opening game against Orlando Pirates. However, Grobler's comeback did little to alter the Tshwane side's fortunes against Chippa, a team they haven't beaten in eight encounters dating back to the 2019/2020 season.

The match began at a slow tempo, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges. Chippa United managed the first real effort on goal when Seun Ndlovu struck a fierce long-range shot, narrowly missing the target.

The visitors nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime when Sinoxolo Kwayiba's low drive rattled the upright, leaving SuperSport goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa rooted to the spot.

Gavin Hunt's men showed more urgency after the break and came close to scoring early in the second half. Lyle Lakay unleashed a thunderous strike, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Chippa's goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.

Hunt made attacking changes in the final stages, bringing on Terrence Dzvukamanja and Eric Mbangossoum in place of Tashreeq Morris and Brooklyn Poggenpoel. Despite these adjustments, SuperSport struggled to find the elusive breakthrough, and the match ended in a stalemate.

The draw keeps SuperSport's solid run intact, but their inability to overcome Chippa continues to be a thorn in their side.

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