TS Galaxy professionally handled the "banana skin" fixture against Jacksa Spears to book their spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. A towering header from Salatiel Silva and a clinical strike from Tshepo Kakora, pictured, got the job done in KwaMhlanga. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
TS Galaxy avoided the Premiership casualty list in the Nedbank Cup on Sunday afternoon as they secured a place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over ABC Motsepe League outfit Jacksa Spears at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
Goals from Salatiel Silva and Tshepo Kakora ensured the TS Galaxy advanced to the last four, though the Betway Premiership side had to navigate a stubborn and organised performance from the third-tier visitors. The Rockets took a narrow lead into the break, but it was far from straightforward in their cup encounter in KwaMhlanga.
After a largely passive opening half hour, Galaxy eventually found the breakthrough, through an unlikely source when centre-back Salatiel Silva rose highest to head his side in front in the 34th minute.
The towering defender found space inside the penalty area following a set piece and powered home an in-swinging delivery that left the goalkeeper with little chance, handing the Betway Premiership side the advantage.
Having already seen several giants fall earlier in this season’s Nedbank Cup, Galaxy approached the fixture mindful of the potential banana skin against lower-division opposition.
There was little sign of complacency from the hosts, but the opening exchanges were defined more by caution than attacking intent as Spears maintained a disciplined defensive structure while Galaxy attempted to patiently work openings.
For long periods the underdogs appeared comfortable, restricting Galaxy to speculative efforts and slowing the tempo whenever possible.
In fact, it was the minnows who produced the more threatening moments during the opening 25 minutes.
Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape was forced into action on two occasions, first reacting sharply to deal with a dangerous long throw that caused panic in the area before producing another important save from a well-struck free-kick.
Those early warnings briefly unsettled the home side, who struggled to find rhythm in possession as Spears continued to show belief.
The statistics reflected the competitive nature of the contest, with Spears enjoying more possession and attempts on goal despite trailing. But just as the contest appeared to be drifting toward the interval without a breakthrough, Galaxy’s quality from a dead-ball situation finally told.
Silva’s decisive header ultimately separated the two sides at halftime, though the visitors had already shown enough to suggest the tie was far from settled. It took until the second half for Galaxy to double their advantage as they capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the visitors in the 58th minute.
Galaxy pressed aggressively and regained possession inside the opposition box before Tshepo Kakora smashed a powerful finish into the roof of the net to effectively settle the encounter.
The second goal allowed the Rockets to manage the closing stages and avoid the kind of late drama that has characterised several fixtures in this season’s competition, confirming their place in the semi-finals.