Super Eagles goalkeeper and his Kaizer Chiefs teammates saw their dream of moving into the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup hit the rocks on Saturday. Although the Nigerian was not in goal for the night, the Chiefs lost by a lone goal to TS Galaxy at the FNB Stadium after a goalless first half.
But in the 54th minute the visitors pounced on a defensive error to claim the lead and that solitary strike would prove to be enough as the Rockets held on to seal their place in the draw for the Nedbank Cup last 16.
The first half was a closely contested affair and produced little in the way of goalmouth action, with clear-cut chances few and far between.
Amakhosi came out the blocks flying and created a good chance after just two minutes of play as Daniel Cardoso headed just wide from a Keagan Dolly corner kick.
And, after a lengthy lull in play, Chiefs threatened again in the 19th minute as attacking midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo fired a shot into the stands.
TS Galaxy eventually mustered a response in the 21st minute, Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson called into action to deny Lindokuhle Mbatha’s goal-bound shot.
The Rockets ended the first half on the front foot as Orebotse Mongae twice let fly from range, although both attempts failed to find the mark.
Chiefs fashioned the first chance of note in the second half but it would come to nothing as Khama Billiat saw his deflected shot collected with ease by Rockets ‘keeper Melusi Buthelezi.
The hosts again went close to breaking the deadlock a couple of minutes later but Buthelezi was alert to the danger, denying Ngcobo what looked to be a certain goal.
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And Chiefs were made to rue those two squandered opportunities as Galaxy went on to claim the lead in the 54th minute. A defensive error saw Galaxy claim the ball in a dangerous position with Augustine Kwem firing home.
Despite having just over half an hour to claw their way back into the game, Amakhosi struggled to get going after conceding the goal.
They eventually found the back of the net in the 83rd minute through Leonardo Castro, but the goal would not stand as the referee pulled play back for an offside in the build-up.