Sundowns Beat TS Galaxy 3-2 After Dramatic Late Comeback
Mamelodi Sundowns looked destined for a frustrating start to their Betway Premiership campaign before Siphelele Mkhulise produced a stunning late rescue act.
The defending champions came from behind twice to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 on Tuesday night, scoring two goals in the final eight minutes to snatch all three points in a dramatic encounter.
For long periods, Galaxy appeared ready to pull off one of the biggest early-season upsets. But Sundowns showed the resilience that has become a defining feature of their championship pedigree, refusing to accept defeat when the game appeared to be slipping away.
Sundowns Strike First
Sundowns made the ideal start when Bryan Leon opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
The opportunity came after Tashrique Mathews was brought down inside the penalty area by Junior Zindonga, leaving the referee with little choice but to award the spot kick.
Leon made no mistake, giving Sundowns an early advantage.
Galaxy, however, refused to be intimidated.
The Rockets responded before half-time, with Victor Letsoalo finding the equaliser to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Galaxy Move Within Sight of Victory
The second half produced an increasingly tense contest as both sides searched for the decisive breakthrough.
It was Galaxy who appeared to find it.
The hosts struck in the 77th minute to move 2-1 ahead and put themselves within touching distance of what would have been a memorable victory over the defending champions.
With the clock running down, Sundowns faced the prospect of beginning their campaign with a damaging defeat.
Then everything changed.
Mkhulise Turns the Game on Its Head
Just when Galaxy appeared ready to celebrate, Mkhulise took control of the contest.
The Sundowns midfielder scored twice in the final eight minutes, completing a remarkable turnaround and transforming what had looked like a defeat into a 3-2 victory.
His late double not only rescued the champions but also underlined Sundowns’ ability to find a way through difficult situations.
For Galaxy, it was a painful ending to what had been a brave performance.
For Sundowns, it was three points secured in dramatic fashion.
Goals Galore Across the Premiership
There was no shortage of drama elsewhere in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.
Chippa United and Richards Bay shared the points after a 1-1 draw, while Marumo Gallants and Kruger United played out a goalless stalemate.
Polokwane City and Stellenbosch FC provided another high-scoring contest, battling to an entertaining 3-3 draw.
But the night’s biggest talking point belonged to Sundowns, who appeared to be heading towards disappointment before Mkhulise’s late intervention changed the story completely.
The defending champions leave the encounter with three points, while Galaxy are left to reflect on a result that was within their grasp until the final moments.
