Late penalty hands TS Galaxy Nedbank Cup triumph over Chiefs

A late penalty by Zakhele Lepasa handed TS Galaxy a shock 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs to guide the NFD side to Nedbank Cup glory extending Chiefs’ trophy drought in the process.

Chiefs came into the game desperate for the victory which would add some respectability to their season after a ninth-place finish in the league.

Galaxy on the other hand were looking to make history and become the first team frime the National First Division to win the Nedbank Cup.

Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp handed Lebogang Manyama a start after his brief stints in their last two league games and he helped the Glamour Boys get off to a decent start to the game as they looked to take control of the game early on.

Amakhosi’s first chance came on the counter as Khama Billiat drove inside from the left flank before playing through Bernard Parker down the right flank, but the Galaxy defence reacted quickly to sniff out the danger.

The minnows from the NFD were holding there own in the first stanza and were threatening their opponents goals as they created an opening in the 20th minute when Thembinkosi Mbamba played Terrence Mashego in behind the Chiefs defence down, he hit a good cross back into the box to find Mbamba who in turn couldn’t direct his effort on target.

Chiefs were dominating the ball but were finding it difficult to break through a well organised Galaxy defence.

Amakhosi though had a golden chance just before the break to open the scoring as Billiat skipped down the left flank before squaring the ball into the box, the Galaxy defence scrambled to clear but the loose ball fell to Bernard Parker, the veteran hit his shot on target but it was blocked on the line after some desperate defending.

0-0 at the break with both teams firmly within a shout of lifting the trophy.

Middendorp’s men came out with attacking intent in the second stanza and almost took the lead straight after the break as Kabelo Mahlasela was picked out at the back post, but he failed to pick out Manyama with his cut back with the goal gapping.

Mahlasela was causing all the problems for Chiefs as he again found space down the left flank moments later, but his left-footed shot from a tight angle was straight at Galaxy goalkeeper Bathusi Aubaas.

Both sides then were struggling to create chances as the game looked as though it was heading to extra-time.

Then five minutes before the end of the 90 minutes and Chiefs had a big chance when Parker’s corner found Willard Katsande at the back post, but the Chiefs skipper couldn’t keep his volley down.

Then with moments to go Galaxy were handed a golden chance with moments to play when Lepasa drove into the box before he was sandwiched by Kgotso Moleko and Teenage Hadebe leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot.

The penalty that created history for TS Galaxy and extended the trophy drought for Kaizer Chiefs.#NedbankCup2019Final pic.twitter.com/ccLwybAmIi

— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) May 18, 2019