Samu rescues Maritzburg against Galaxy

TS Galaxy were held to a 1-1 draw by Maritzburg United in the DStv Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, the Rockets remained 14th on the league standings, while the Team of Choice also remained 13th after fighting back to deny the hosts a victory.

Having scored the Rockets' winning goal against Sekhukhune United on April 16, Orebotse Mongae was confident of finding the back of the net once again.

The former Baroka FC winger unleashed a curling effort from a set-piece, but he was denied by goalkeeper Marcel Engelhardt, who was well-positioned to make a save.

Galaxy finished the first half the stronger of the two teams and Augustine Chidi Kwem had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, but somehow he failed to hit the target from closer range.

The score was 0-0 during the halftime break with Galaxy having created the better chances without scoring.

An entertaining second half followed with both teams launching attacks. Mongae and Bathusi Aubaas were both denied for the by German shot-stopper Engelhardt.

The hosts were awarded a penalty after Lifa Hlongwane was fouled in the visitors' box and Kwem made no mistake from the spot-kick as he beat Engelhardt to make it 1-0 to Galaxy in the 63rd minute.

Nicholus Lukhubeni, who netted an unfortunate own goal as Maritzburg lost to AmaZulu on April 16, was introduced with 19 minutes left as the visitors pushed for a late equalising goal.

The 26-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute as he grabbed an assist after setting up Friday Samu, who scored in the 83rd minute to ensure that the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Maritzburg United 1 (Samu 83')

TS Galaxy:Buthelezi, Sanoka, Seedat, Msimango, Munyai, Mbatha (Mahlangu 74'), Hlongwane (Nduli 74'), Aubaas, Mongae (Nyama 85'), Mbunjana, Kwem (Ndwandwe 79').

Maritzburg United:Engelhardt, Claasen, Daniels (Ndengane 46'), Allie, Pereira, Graham, Human (Palace 35' Kewuti 71'), Ritchie, Samu, Macheke (Macheke 71'), Soukouna.