Dalphine Tagwireyi
TS Galaxy suffered their first Premier Soccer League (PSL) defeat of the season after Nigerian forward Stanley Dimgba scored seven minutes from full time to hand Stellienbosch a 1-0 victory.
It was TS Galaxy’s first defeat in six league games following four draws and a victory in a run that included denying Kaizer Chiefs and second-placed Swallows FC victory.
The Rockets have dropped one rung down to ninth spot in the standings.
Starting the match with a line-up that included veteran midfielder Mxolisi Macuphu, Spiwe Msimango and former Mamelodi Sundowns linkman Lindokuhle Mbatha, Galaxy appeared strong enough to continue their unbeaten run, but it was not to be.
Stellies’ win is their second of the season and they are now eighth in the log.
From the first whistle the afternoon belonged to Stellenbosch who dominated possession. Leletu Skelem’s strike on target had goalkeeper Wensten van der Linde diving for the save 12 minutes into the match.
Ashley Du Preez was then denied by the crossbar after 32 minutes as Stellies persisted and the hosts had their first realistic chance at goal when Mbulelo Strydom Wambi narrowly missed the target with a header.
Galaxy coach Dan Malesela introduced Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Wayde Lekay and Gerald Modisane but the hosts lacked creativity.
At the other end, Phathutshedzo Nange threatened to thrust the visitors ahead but was prevented from scoring opportunities twice midway through the second half.
The deadlock was finally broken when Stanley Dimgba came off the bench. Profiting from a poor clearance, he fired home the winning goal seven minutes from full time.
TS Galaxy will visit Mamelodi Sundowns for their next league match on 15 December.
Pictures: @TSGALAXYFC
