Sowetan

Ezenkosi eliminated

NFD rookies Galaxy show Cosmos the stars

- By Sihle Ndebele

NFD rookies TS Galaxy’s fairy tale run in Nedbank Cup continued as they booked their berth in the quarterfin­als after dispatchin­g Jomo Cosmos 1-0 yesterday.

It was an own goal by Cosmos captain Dahou Lebahi later in the second half that sealed the deal for Galaxy. You would have sworn that it was the Mpumalanga-based side’s home match as their fans outnumbere­d Ezenkosi’s, singing their lungs out throughout the match.

A goal was the only missing aspect of what was an entertaini­ng first half as both teams played with purpose. Galaxy were a bit superior than Cosmos in terms of creating more chances and keeping possession.

Galaxy attackers Sinethemba Ngidi, Sizwe Mdlinzo and Tshegofats­o Nyama caused all sorts of trouble for Cosmos. The trio linked up wonderfull­y on numerous occasions, but indecisive­ness and wrong decisions in front of goals proved their major undoing. Ezenkosi also had their fair share of chances, but the Rockets goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku justified why he’s the captain of the club, notably making incredible double save in the last minute of the first period, thwarting efforts from Silas Maziya and Nigerian Chibuike Ozihu respective­ly.

However, Cosmos’ eliminatio­n from the Ke Yona last 16 may be seen as a blessing in disguise because of their rather dire league situation. Now 12th-placed Ezenkosi will solely focus on fighting their way up the table to fight for promotion to the PSL.

 ?? / BACKPAGEPI­X ?? Tshegofats­o Nyama of TS Galaxy tackles Riaan Hanamub of Cosmos at Makhulong stadium yesterday.
/ BACKPAGEPI­X Tshegofats­o Nyama of TS Galaxy tackles Riaan Hanamub of Cosmos at Makhulong stadium yesterday.

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