Galaxy Show Guts To Stun Sundowns

TS Galaxy’s hard work and determination paid off as they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in their Betway Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Galaxy’s resolute defense stifled Sundowns, denying the visitors space and time to create scoring opportunities. The home side’s disciplined defensive line prevented their illustrious opponents from registering a single clear-cut chance.

Kamogelo Sebelebele scored the decisive goal just before halftime, toe-poking the ball through Ronwen Williams’s legs to give Galaxy a shock lead. This proved to be the winner, handing Sundowns their first league defeat under coach Miguel Cardoso and their second of the season.

These two teams have a history of intense encounters, having played each other three times in all competitions last season. Galaxy’s Carling Knockout Cup victory over Sundowns in October 2023 occurred shortly after a Bafana Bafana match, meaning Sundowns were without several key players due to national team commitments. That game was also marred by a serious injury to Bernard Parker by Bongani Zungu and a subsequent fallout between then-coaches Rulani Mokwena and Sead Ramovic.

In their league meeting last April, which Sundowns won 3-0, Mokwena alleged that Galaxy players were instructed to target Zungu, who had injured Parker in their previous encounter. A month later, the teams played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at Mbombela Stadium, a match characterized by its high pace and intensity.

With both coaches now gone – Mokwena and Ramovic – and Adnan Beganović in charge of Galaxy and Miguel Cardoso at the helm of Sundowns, this latest match also maintained a high tempo and intensity.

Sundowns came close to scoring first when Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s shot hit the upright in the 27th minute after a layoff from Tashreeq Matthews. Costa, the league’s top scorer with nine goals, has been in excellent form, having scored twice in Sundowns’ 4-1 demolition of Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Kulumani Ndamane’s free kick for Galaxy forced a save from Williams, who tipped the ball over the bar. Teboho Mokoena also threatened for Sundowns, his shot from outside the box narrowly missing the target.

However, it was Galaxy who broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. Dženan Zajmović played a through ball to Sebelebele, who finished past Williams to give his team the lead going into halftime.

Sundowns coach Cardoso made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena for Matthews and Kegan Johannes. They aimed to replicate their attacking prowess from the Pirates game but struggled to break down Galaxy’s defense.

Sundowns also introduced Thapelo Maseko for Jayden Adams in an attempt to spark their attack, but Galaxy remained unfazed by the star-studded Sundowns lineup.

Mokwena tested the Galaxy goalkeeper with a long-range effort, but the keeper made a good save. Aubrey Modiba’s free kick was comfortably collected by the Ivorian goalkeeper. Mokoena came close again after a one-two with Costa, but his curling shot went just wide.

Galaxy held on for a crucial win, ending Sundowns’ 10-game winning streak. Despite the loss, Sundowns remain top of the table with 42 points from 16 matches, nine points ahead of second-placed Pirates, who have two games in hand. Galaxy’s win moves them up to fourth place with 25 points after 17 matches.