IOL-AmaZulu produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat TS Galaxy 3–2 in a dramatic Betway Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Second-half substitute Thando Ngwenya proved decisive, scoring a brace in the closing stages, while Mlondo Mbanjwa struck late as Usuthu overturned a match that had twice swung in Galaxy’s favour. Former AmaZulu striker Victor Letsoalo broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, capitalising on a misjudgement by goalkeeper Darren Johnson.
The 32-year-old headed into an open net after Johnson flapped at a delivery, registering his second goal in as many matches. AmaZulu responded through Ngwenya in the 79th minute, the substitute arriving at the far post to tap home a low Athini Maqokola cross.
However, the relief was short-lived as Junior Zindonga restored Galaxy’s lead a minute later with one of the goals of the weekend, cutting inside from the right before curling a superb finish into the top corner.
The momentum swung again late on.
Mbanjwa arrived unmarked in the box to level matters in the 89th minute, before Ngwenya completed his brace in stoppage time, finishing sharply at the near post from another Maqokola delivery to spark wild celebrations.
The feisty top-half clash had unfolded at a high tempo from the outset.
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AmaZulu, eager to start the year on a positive note, selected an energetic front line with Maqokola, Tebogo Mashigo and Pule Ekstein operating behind the striker. Galaxy arrived in Durban carrying a five-match winning streak and showed their intent early.
In the 18th minute, Ivorian winger Mory Keita was sent through on goal, but his attempted lob lacked conviction and was comfortably gathered by Johnson.
That chance stirred the hosts into life. AmaZulu began to apply pressure and nearly opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Mashigo forced Ira Tape into a sharp low save, with Galaxy defenders scrambling clear.
Despite their efforts, AmaZulu were fortunate not to trail at the break as Galaxy enjoyed sustained spells of pressure but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
The second half was more balanced, with debutant Langelihle Mhlongo introduced in midfield to help AmaZulu grow into the contest.
Galaxy’s clinical edge eventually told, but their inability to manage the closing stages proved costly. Arthur Zwane’s substitutions ultimately defined the match, with all three goals involving players introduced from the bench.
The result underlined AmaZulu’s depth and resilience, while Galaxy were left to reflect on a painful collapse that ended their winning run and highlighted the fine margins in the Betway Premiership.
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