Evergreen Grobler inspires Sekhukhune past Galaxy in MTN8’s five-goal quarter-fianl thriller

Sekhukhune United joined Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final after coming from two goals down to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 on Saturday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Mpho Mvelase scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute when he beautifully converted a header, thanks to a well-played set-piece from Nhlanhla Magaga. The initial attempt missed the target before the rebound kindly fell on him.

Babina Noko then missed leveling matters in the 30th minute, following Bradley Grobler’s attempt that narrowly missed the target with the goalkeeper well beaten. They were punished 11 minutes later when Renaldo Leaner made a grave mistake and Victor Letsoalo punished him.

The celebrations were cut short moments later as former SuperSport United striker Grobler reduced the deficit with a header.

Grobler shows his quality

The Rockets had two chances inside the first 10 minutes, after the break, but Mvelase missed great chances twice.

It gave the ex-Swanky Boys man an opportunity to bring the teams into level terms in the 63rd minute as he converted a cross from captain Linda Mntambo. 

Sekhukhune United then sealed the deal in the 84th minute when Vusimizi Mncube stole the winner to send wasteful TS Galaxy home.

It was a loss they will regret, especially after the early lead, and the opportunities they had to kill the game but failed to take them.

On Sunday, Premier Soccer League champions will now hope to get their ticket for the semi-final when they play Richards Bay. Last year’s finalists, Stellenbosch, will also be in action against Arthur Zwane’s AmaZulu.