Sundowns Lose To TS Galaxy: Pirates One Win Away from League Title

Mamelodi Sundowns’ grip on the Betway Premiership title appears to be slipping after they suffered a damaging 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.

The result means Orlando Pirates, who are second on the Betway Premiership table with 65 points — three behind Sundowns — can win the league if they beat Durban City at a sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Sundowns remain on 68 points after completing all 30 of their league matches this season, while Pirates still have two games in hand against Durban City and Orbit College.

A single victory from those two matches would be enough for Pirates to clinch the Betway Premiership title for the first time since the 2011/12 season.

The defeat was Sundowns’ second league loss of the campaign, with both defeats coming away from home, and it appears their run of eight consecutive league titles could now come to an end.

However, Sundowns still have an opportunity to salvage their season by winning the CAF Champions League. They will face AS FAR in a two-legged tie, starting at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday before the return leg away next weekend.

Galaxy were quick to score, with Victor Letsoalo converting a penalty before Sedwyn George found the back of the net before halftime.

However, Brayan Leon scored two goals, to see Sundowns head to the match 2-2 level at half time.

Leon scored first through a penalty in the 38th minute, before scoring the second in the 41st minute.

However, Mpho Mvelase restored the lead in the 46th minute, and that goal saw them win for the first time under caretaker coach Bernard Parker.

Before the win, Parker had overseen three league draws against Magesi FC, Marumo Gallants and Chippa United, while also suffering defeat in the Nedbank Cup final against Durban City.

Parker will now look to guide Galaxy to another positive result in their final match of the season as they aim to end the campaign on a high note. But this win over Sundowns has seen them secure their PSL status.