21-07-2025
TS Galaxy Academy dominate Hotspurs in title chase at Halls Sports Ground
TS Galaxy Academy defeated Mataffin Hotspurs FC 3-0 at Halls Sports Ground last Wednesday, July 9. The young Rockets came into the match hungry for victory as they continue to chase the league title, while Hotspurs were hoping to secure a spot in the top eight.
In a thrilling youth football encounter, TS Galaxy Academy came out attacking from the first whistle. Their aggressive start paid off early, with midfielder Siyanda Xulu opening the scoring in the seventh minute.
The visitors continued to dominate, denying the home side any real chance to progress into the Rockets' half. Galaxy's defence proved unrelenting, shutting down Hotspurs' attempts to find an equaliser. Hotspurs briefly pushed forward in the 14th minute, managing to play in the opposition's half, but they failed to capitalise on their presence inside the 18-yard box.
In their push for a second goal, the Rockets were flagged offside three times in under five minutes. But their pressure soon paid off when Hotspurs lost control in midfield, and Mbuso Makhubela punished them with a clinical second goal in the 22nd minute. Hotspurs' frustration showed when Mxondisi Mdhluli received the first yellow card of the match in the 34th minute for a foul on Xulu.
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The match turned increasingly physical, with Karabo Mpangane picking up another booking for Hotspurs in the 41st minute after a reckless tackle on Terry Palmer. TS Galaxy Academy went into the break leading 2-0.
The second half opened with Aphelele Kubheka receiving the Rockets' first yellow card in the 49th minute. Hotspurs continued to push for a goal, but Galaxy's defensive structure remained intact.
For ten minutes, the Rockets dominated possession and launched several attacks, forcing set pieces just outside the Hotspurs' box. In the 71st minute, Hotspurs finally had a shot on goal, but goalkeeper Clarrel Ndlovu was quick to deny them.
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The Rockets sealed the win in the 83rd minute when Zamokuhle Khumalo netted their third goal, breaking through a tiring Hotspurs defence. With two minutes remaining, Luyanda Ngutshani of TS Galaxy Academy was booked for unsporting behaviour, but it did little to take the shine off a dominant performance.
The match ended 3-0 after regular time. Mataffin Hotspurs now sit in ninth place with 18 points from 19 games, while TS Galaxy Academy remain third with 37 points from 18 fixtures.
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