Lepasa’s brace, in a Galaxy far, far away

Golden Arrows (0) 1

TS Galaxy (0) 1

Galaxy win 3-1 in extra time

GOALS: Golden Arrows — Knox Mutizwa (71m penalty). TS Galaxy — Sandile Zuke (93m, own goal), Zakhele Lepasa (107m, 119m), ● TS Galaxy, the new National First Division team owned by former agent Tim Sukazi, have had a dream birth that will now be crowned by writing their name in the stars in a Nedbank Cup final.

Substitute Zakhele Lepasa scored two in the second half of extra-time as an inspired Galaxy blasted themselves into a cup final by overcoming Lamontville Golden Arrows 3-1 in yesterday’s semifinal at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, Durban.

Arrows had appeared in control, without dominating, and on the path to victory after Knox Mutizwa’s 70th-minute penalty.

But Galaxy did not give up and equalised by forcing Sandile Zuke’s 93rd-minute own goal. In extra time Lepasa scored in the 107th and 119th minutes.

Arrows had the greater possession and organisation, but struggled to subdue the young, exuberant Galaxy in normal time.

Galaxy were on the back foot, though spoiling effectively enough to barely concede a chance, throughout a first half fought in the midfield.

It took until the 44th minute for anyone to have a shot on goal. Sihle Nduli’s clearing header fell to Arrows’ Danny Venter, whose strike was well over.

Zimbabwean forward Mutizwa’s freekick, struck fairly tamely and collected comfortably by Ludwev Mpakumpaku in the 58th minute, was the first shot on target.

Arrows’ PSL-level organisation put Galaxy under pressure. Left-back Tumelo Bodibe’s error that led to the penalty seemed to come as a result of this.

Arrows substitute Sanele Mathenjwa was playing away from goal on the left of Galaxy's area when Tumelo Bodibe clattered into the winger and felled him, prompting referee Luxolo Badi to point to the spot.

Mutizwa stepped up and slotted in strongly, low and to the right.

Abafana Bes’thende had flirted with an own goal and succeeded in the 93rd minute. Arrows cleared a corner, but Zuke got a headed touch that beat Maximilian Mbaeva.

In extra time, the younger Galaxy gained in energy and confidence. In the 107th substitute Zakhele Lepasa played Bodibe in down the right, took the return and beat Mbaeva.

When a ball appeared to go out of play Arrows did not play to the whistle, and paid for it through Lepasa’s curling strike from range that made it 3-1.