Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a dramatic, come-from-behind 3-2 victory away to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night to get their Betway Premiership campaign off to a winning start.
The Brazilians looked set for a defeat in their opening league match for the first time since 2007, as they trailed 1-2 heading into the dying minutes, but two late goals from substitute Sphelele Mkhulise turned the game in the visitors’ favour.
The Brazilians secure maximum points in Mpumalanga 💪
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 11, 2026
TS Galaxy (33', 77' Letsoalo) 2️⃣➖3️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (7' León, 88', 90+5' Mkhulise) #Sundowns #BetwayPrem #NeverStopRising pic.twitter.com/y5w3kqtq1J
Sundowns started strongly and were awarded a penalty in the sixth minute, with Tashreeq Matthews fouled by Junior Zindoga just inside the 18-yard area.
Brayan Leon confidently struck home from the spot for a 1-0 lead.
Galaxy gradually found a footing in the game and deservedly equalised in the 33rd minute, with a defensive error allowing Tshepo Kakora to put Victor Letsoalo into space in the penalty area – the striker drove forward and scored with a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The teams went to the break with the score locked at 1-1.
Sundowns made one change at the start of the second half, with Bennet Mokoena replacing Nuno Santos in midfield.
The substitute made a quick impact, putting Matthews into a good position, who in turn teed up Antonio Van Wyk, but the winger was denied by a superb save from Ira Tape.
In the 69th minute Tape pulled off another fine save, turning away a well-struck volley from Leon as the Brazilians looked to turn up the attacking pressure in the final quarter of the match.
However, against the run of play, the Rockets claimed a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute.
Mpho Mvelase’s free kick picked out an unmarked Letsoalo, whose header was tipped onto the post by Williams, rebounded off the ‘keeper and found its way into the net.
‘Downs were close to levelling the game in the 84th minute when Marcelo Allende’s corner kick was flicked on, but Matthews stabbed a shot wide of the mark.
Another chance went the way of Cassius Mailula two minutes later, but again Tape was on hand to make a save.
However, the Galaxy goalkeeper was finally beaten again in the 89th minute, with Sphelele Mkhulise scoring with a deflected effort in a crowded penalty area, after good work from Khuliso Mudau down the right flank.
Sphelele Mkhulise snatches it for Sundowns at the death 🤩💥
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 11, 2026
Masandawana topple the Rockets in Mbombela 👏#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/xhJHgzXn8i
The teams will return to Premiership action this coming weekend, with Sundowns away to Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday 15 August, and Galaxy hosting Golden Arrows the following day.
TS Galaxy (1) 2 (Letsoalo 33’, Williams og 77’)
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 3 (Leon 7’ pen, Mkhulise 89’ 90+4’)
Galaxy: Tape, Motaung, Zulu, Mncwango, Zindoga, Kakora (Mbunjana 52’), Nkosi, Mvelase, Mahlambi, George (Salatiel Silva 83’), Letsoalo
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Khoza, Basadien (Modiba 72’), Van Wyk (Mailula 63’), Kekana (Mkhulise 63’), Allende, Matthews, Santos (B. Mokoena 46’), Leon (Rayners 72’)