Galaxy Stun Sundowns To Reach Nedbank Cup Quarter-Finals
TS Galaxy produced a major upset after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 to knock them out of the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday.
The result could have been even more humiliating for Sundowns, but goalkeeper Denis Onyango made a late second-half save to deny Victor Letsoalo and prevent a heavier defeat.
It marks the first time Sundowns have failed to reach the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals since the 2018/19 season, when they were eliminated in the last 16 by Chippa United F.C..
Galaxy Capitalise on Sundowns Changes
Sundowns entered the match brimming with confidence after their 2-1 Betway Premiership victory over title rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
However, coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to his starting line-up for the trip to Mpumalanga, with Nuno Santos the only player retained from the win over Pirates.
In front of a capacity crowd at the compact venue, it was the home side who struck first.
In the 19th minute, debutant Sphamandla Ngwenya fired Galaxy into the lead past a stranded Onyango. Divine Lunga’s pass towards Marcelo Allende was intercepted, allowing Ngwenya to capitalise and score.
Galaxy continued to exploit Sundowns’ lack of cohesion, as many of the visitors’ fringe players have struggled for regular game time this season.
The hosts doubled their advantage after being awarded a penalty when Seluleko Mahlambi skilfully beat Thato Sibiya, who brought him down inside the area. Junior Zindoga stepped up and calmly sent Onyango the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Sundowns’ Frustration Mounts
Sundowns’ best opportunity to pull one back came when Allende lofted a ball into the box for Peter Shalulile, but the Namibian striker failed to control it, compounding a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
At the start of the second half, Cardoso introduced Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Morena and Brayan Leon in an attempt to spark a comeback.
Sundowns nearly reduced the deficit when Santos, from a tight angle, set up Matthews, but goalkeeper Ira Tape produced an outstanding save to keep his side’s clean sheet intact.
Cardoso later threw captain Themba Zwane into the attack around the hour mark as Sundowns searched for a way back into the contest.
Instead, Galaxy almost added a third. Letsoalo broke through the Sundowns defence but was denied by Onyango, who recovered well to make a crucial save.
Zwane also had a sight of goal after turning his marker inside the box, but Tape stood firm to make another impressive stop.
Even a late free-kick just outside the area in stoppage time failed to rescue Sundowns, as Aubrey Modiba ballooned his effort wide — summing up a disappointing afternoon for the Betway Premiership champions.
