TS Galaxy’s poor run of form went from bad to worse in the Betway Premiership this week after the Rockets suffered their fifth straight league defeat in a 2-1 result against Orbit College at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.
Despite the hosts creating the majority of chances throughout the 90 minutes, Orbit College were more efficient, as Gomolemo Khoto and Lesedi Kapinga scored for their side in the Mpumalanga province.
TS Galaxy looked lively at the start of the match and controlled possession during the first 10 minutes. Tshepo Kakora and Sphesihle Maduna recorded the Rockets' first attempts at goal but to no avail.
Orbit College struggled to gain a foothold in the game due to Galaxy’s pressure and often found it difficult to advance the ball past their own half.
Then, completely against the run of play, Orbit College took the lead in the 22nd minute through Khoto, who capped off a swift passing move en-route to goal with a right-footed shot inside the area.
With momentum on their side, Orbit doubled their advantage in stunning fashion after Kapinga unleashed a powerful 35-yard screamer that beat Ira Tape in goal moments before the break.
Orbit College goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe was called into action numerous times following the restart after TS Galaxy injected energy and intent into their play, seen through attempts by Tshepo Kakora, Victor Letsoalo and Siphamandla Ngwenya.
The Rockets’ pressure paid off shortly after the hour-mark after Siphamandla Ngwenya added his name to the scoresheet in the 66th minute.
After the Orbit goalkeeper conceded a corner, Ngwenya popped up in the right place at the right time to see through a left-footed shot from the centre of the box.
Galaxy remained on the attack midway through the second 45 as Orbit College hung on to preserve their lead. Chibwe, who faced a busy half between the sticks, was summoned to keep his team in the game on a couple of occasions.
The Mswenko Boyz came agonisingly close to scoring their third goal in the 83rd minute after Lebogang Lesako struck the woodwork via a right-footed attempt from outside the 18-yard-area. Moments later, Mehdi Ouamri nearly scored the equalising goal for the Rockets after his headed attempt was saved in goal by Chibwe.
Nonetheless, Orbit College held on to secure victory on home soil as TS Galaxy’s woes deepen in the league. The Rockets remained in eighth position on the log with 24 points while Orbit moved three points away from the drop zone in 14th position.
TS Galaxy: (0) 1 (Ngwenya 66’)
Orbit College: (2) 2 (Khoto 22’, Kapinga 38’)
TS Galaxy: Tape, Letsoenyo, Silva, Mahlangu, Fisher (Keita 80’), Mbunjana, Maduna (Mgaga 79’), Zindoga, Ngwenya (Ouamri 79’), Kakora (Mvalase 60’), George (Letsoalo 46’)
Orbit College: Chibwe, Mkhabela, Vilakazi, Onyango, Jingana, Potsana (Batsi 51’), Motshwari, Khoto (Lesako 71’), Kapinga (Ralani 71’), Mabele, Lukhele (Wagaba 55’)