TS Galaxy battled back to secure a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

Sekhukhune made two changes from their win over Polokwane City as Thabang Monare and Siphesihle Mkhize were recalled, while Sphiwe Mahlangu, Nhlanhla Mgaga, Damir Sovsic and Puso Dithejane were restored by the Rockets.

Eric Tinkler’s outfit were keen to hit the ground running earlier on and saw Siphesihle Mkhize come in on the right of the area to get a shot in, but Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape was equal to the task.

Both teams began to have moments in the closing stages of the first half, but neither Sipho Mbule, Nhlanhla Mgaga and Victor Letsoalo profited.

The Rockets were extremely close to going ahead two minutes from the half-hour mark with a towering header by Khulumani Ndamane from a corner-kick, but he sent his effort over the target.

Babina Noko came inches to the lead ten minutes after the halftime break when Ellis Rammala’s speculative shot outside the area sailed just over the target.

At the other end, the Rockets saw a similar attempt from outside the box by Kamogelo Sebelebele threatened the opener and put Tape in a spot of bother.

Tinkler’s outfit struck the opener in the midway point of the half when Chibuike Ohizu applied a smart finish from close-range after meeting Keletso Makgalwa’s delivery.

Galaxy got back on level terms ten minutes later after a cross from Marks Munyai allowed Sebelebele to take aim and dispatched from the centre of the area.

The game became vey open inside additional time with chances either end, but neither side were able to take advantage and were forced to take a share of the spoils.

Confirmed line-ups:

TS Galaxy: Ira, Munyai, M.Mahlangu, Ndamane, Letsoenyo, Mgaga, Maduna, Sovsic, Sebelebele, Dithejane, Letsoalo.

Subs: Ciupa, Seema, Mbunjana, Masiya, Mvelase, Dolly, Mbatha, Zajmovic, S. Mahlangu

Sekhukhune United: Learner, Cardoso, Letlapa, Mogaila, Tshibwabwa, Mkhize, Monare, Mbule, Rammala, Makgalwa, Ohizu

Subs: Sangare, Langa, Mntambo, Mokoena, Kapinga, Tlaka, Boyeli, Mohamme, Sihlali