Super-Sub Mkhulise Scores Stoppage-Time Brace As Sundowns Mount Dramatic Comeback Over Galaxy
Sphelele Mkhulise saved the day for Mamelodi Sundowns as they came from behind to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 in their opening game of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Sundowns looked destined to lose the match after falling behind, but Mkhulise, who came on in the second half, produced a stunning finish to beat Ira Tape for the equaliser after great work from Khuliso Mudau on the right-hand side.
Mkhulise then completed the comeback in added time, scoring from close range to seal all three points for Sundowns. The comeback was unexpected, but the substitutions made the difference for the Chloorkop-based side.
This was Sundowns’ first league game of the new season after their opening fixture against Marumo Gallants was postponed following the tragic passing of Jayden Adams.
The Chloorkop-based side were also without key midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who suffered an injury during their MTN8 quarter-final victory over Polokwane City on Saturday. Youngster Gomolemo Kekana replaced him in the starting lineup.
As expected, Sundowns started the game strongly, dominating possession and putting Galaxy under pressure.
Their early pressure paid off in the sixth minute when they were awarded a penalty, with Bryan Léon calmly converting from the spot to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead.
Galaxy almost responded in the 12th minute when Sedwyn George found himself one-on-one with Ronwen Williams, but his effort went straight at the Sundowns goalkeeper.
As the game progressed, the home side grew in confidence and began finding their rhythm.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 32nd minute when Victor Letsoalo equalised, firing the ball through Williams’ legs to make it 1-1.
The first half ended with the two sides level at 1-1.
In the 47th minute, Van Wyk missed a chance to restore Sundowns’ lead after the goalkeeper saved his one-on-one effort following a pass from Tashreeq Matthews.
Mpho Mvelase also missed a good opportunity in the 57th minute to put Galaxy ahead, as his effort inside the box was blocked by a defender.
However, the Mbombela-based side eventually took the lead in the 78th minute through Letsoalo, who completed his brace with a header towards the near post that beat Williams.
With Bernard Parker’s side appearing to be on course for another victory over Sundowns, having beaten them in May to dent their league title hopes, Mkhulise climbed off the bench to turn the game on its head.
The first of Mkhulise’s goals came after he reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box, unleashing a powerful effort that left Tape with no chance.
Then, in the 94th minute, Mkhulise completed the comeback and scored his second of the night after Galaxy once again failed to clear the danger. The midfielder was in the right place at the right time to finish from close range and hand Sundowns a dramatic 3-2 victory.
