by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Mamelodi Sundowns began their 2026/27 Betway Premiership League campaign in a much rather dramatic fashion, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians made the perfect start when Tashreeq Matthews was brought down inside the penalty area after just five minutes. Brian Leon stepped up confidently from the spot to give Sundowns an early advantage.
Leon nearly doubled the lead in the 12th minute when Marcelo Allende’s defence-splitting pass released him into a dangerous position, but the Galaxy defence recovered just in time to prevent him from getting a shot away.
TS Galaxy responded with increasing pressure and eventually found an equaliser in the 33rd minute. A mistake from Nuno Santos allowed the hosts to break forward and finish clinically past Ronwen Williams.
Neither side could find another breakthrough before half-time, sending the teams into the interval level at 1-1.
Sundowns came out strongly after the restart. Substitute Bennet Mokoena drove into the box and beat two defenders before setting up Matthews, whose effort was brilliantly kept out by the Galaxy goalkeeper.
The visitors meanwhile continued to search for a second goal, with Leon coming close again shortly after the hour mark. His effort from the right was destined for the corner, but the Galaxy keeper produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.
Galaxy then turned the game on its head in the 77th minute when a set-piece effort found the back of the net, giving the home side a 2-1 lead.
Sundowns refused to give up and eventually restored parity just before the end of regulation time. Khuliso Mudau delivered a dangerous cut-back towards Cassius Mailula, whose effort was blocked. During the ensuing scramble, the ball fell to Sphelele Mkhulise, who managed to get a touch on it and send it into the net.
With the match heading towards a draw, Sundowns produced one final attacking move deep into added time. Once again, Mudau was involved, delivering another precise cut-back into the box.
Mkhulise arrived at the right moment and calmly slotted the ball home to complete a dramatic comeback and seal all three points for the reigning champions.
The 3-2 victory gives Sundowns a winning start to their league campaign after an entertaining five-goal encounter in Mbombela. Sundowns will be looking at keeping the winning streak with the hopes of getting back to the top after losing the Premiership honours to Orlando Pirates last season.
