Sphiwe Mahlangu's strike for TS Galaxy stuns Orlando Pirates in league clash

By SABC Sport
18th May 2024

TS Galaxy's Sphiwe Mahlangu was the hero of the match, scoring the goal that handed his team a 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium.

This result thwarted the Buccaneers' hopes of reclaiming second place in the DStv Premiership standings, for now.

Pirates faced this crucial encounter without key players Miguel Timm and Thapelo Xoki. Xoki, a vital component of their defence, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an impending knee surgery.

On the other side, TS Galaxy introduced veteran midfielder Lindokuhle Mbatha into the starting line-up, while Samir Nurkovic remained on the bench, saving his energy for their upcoming clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match kicked off with TS Galaxy displaying an aggressive approach. Within the first ten minutes, Puso Dithejane nearly broke the deadlock, forcing Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into a save.

This early scare galvanized the Buccaneers, who began to dominate possession. Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng were instrumental in midfield, but despite their efforts, Galaxy™s goalkeeper Ntwari remained largely untroubled.

The first half ended without any goals, as both teams were cautious not to concede.

Pirates' coach Jose Riveiro made a strategic substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Thabiso Sesane for Oliseh Ndah to bolster their attack.

The Buccaneers had a golden opportunity to take the lead just after the hour mark. Top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa found himself one-on-one with Ntwari, but the Galaxy goalkeeper made a crucial save to keep the scores level.

This missed chance proved costly for Pirates.

In the 69th minute, TS Galaxy capitalized on Pirates' profligacy. Sphiwe Mahlangu, showing his striking prowess, netted his eighth league goal of the season, giving Galaxy the lead. This goal set up a tense finale as Pirates desperately sought an equalizer.

Bucs came agonizingly close to levelling the score in the final ten minutes. Kabelo Dlamini expertly picked out Evidence Makgopa in the box, but the striker's shot struck the upright, denying Pirates a share of the points.

The defeat leaves Pirates in third place on the DStv Premiership table with 49 points, just one point behind second-placed Stellenbosch FC.

TS Galaxy, buoyed by Mahlangu's decisive strike, move up to fourth place with 43 points, ahead of SuperSport United on goal difference. This victory keeps their hopes alive for a strong finish in the league.