Stellenbosch FC’s miserable run in the Betway Premiership continued on Sunday when they lost 2-0 to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Galaxy scored a goal in each half and, in the process, snapped a sequence of back-to-back defeats. The outcome also marked Galaxy’s first league win over Stellenbosch since they joined the elite league three seasons ago.
At the start, Stellenbosch showcased their dominance in possession but struggled in front of goal, leading to a somewhat frustrating first half. Despite enjoying a 60% possession advantage, Stellenbosch failed to break down an organised Galaxy defence, highlighting an issue that has plagued them in recent outings.
In the first half, Stellenbosch had five shots on target; however, each scoring effort was denied by a resolute Galaxy defence. Ivorian goalkeeper Ira Eliezer Tapé was in excellent form and ensured a first-half clean sheet, turning away scoring efforts with composure. He held out after Stellenbosch had managed five shots at goal.
While the Winelands side had the lion’s share of possession, it became painfully clear by halftime that their inability to convert chances would be their undoing. The stark contrast in effectiveness came when Galaxy’s Seluleko Mahlambi displayed sheer class with the first half’s lone goal.
The right winger made a perfectly timed run, connecting with a precise upfield cross from Puso Dithejane. As he eluded the attention of the Stellenbosch defenders, Mahlambi executed a superb diving header, steering the ball past goalkeeper Sage Stephens, who was making a return after illness.
With that moment of brilliance, Galaxy took a crucial 1-0 lead a mere seven minutes into the game. It was Mahlambi’s sixth goal of the season, and he has been a valuable player in attack, also boasting three assists.
Stellenbosch, determined not to end the half on a low note, rallied and generated their fifth corner in the dying stages. However, what they had hoped to be a pivotal moment faded into disappointment as their set piece lacked the necessary bite to breach the well-organised Galaxy defence.
At halftime, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker made two changes, which saw Khomotjo Lekoloane replacing Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Lesiba Nku coming on for Devin Titus. The changes did little to achieve the desired effect, although Stellenbosch continued to hold the upper hand.
Galaxy always looked threatening when counterattacking, and this proved true at the hour mark when they increased their lead. After a penetrative break down the right flank, Galaxy struck the crossbar and, moments later, the ball deflected off Sanele Barnes’ boot for an own goal (2-0). Barnes was unlucky not to score in the first half.
That goal finally sealed Stellenbosch’s fate as they continued to fire blanks when making final-third entries later in the game.
Galaxy move into sixth position on the log with 16 points after 10 games and will be away to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday. Stellenbosch remain in 14th place after suffering their sixth defeat in 11 games and with a total of nine points. They play Siwelele FC on Wednesday night in Athlone.
