TS Galaxy Shock Sundowns to blow title race wide open for Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns' bid to pull clear at the top of the Betway Premiership suffered a major setback on Tuesday night after they were beaten 3-2 by TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium, a result that dramatically reshapes the title race heading into the final stretch of the season.

A win would have stretched Sundowns' lead to six points, but instead they remain on 68 points after a chaotic encounter that saw Bernard Parker's Galaxy side secure a vital victory to guarantee their top-flight status and hand the initiative to Orlando Pirates, who sit just three points behind with two games in hand.

Sundowns started brightly and should have struck inside the opening minutes when Arthur Sales was sent clean through after a defensive lapse, only to be denied by a sharp save from Ira Tape. That early warning, however, did little to settle them.

Galaxy hit back almost immediately. A penalty was awarded after Zuko Mdunyelwa brought down Seluleko Mahlambi, and Victor Letsoalo made no mistake from the spot to give the hosts a shock lead. The Rockets then doubled their advantage in transition, as Mahlambi surged forward and set up Sedwyn George, who rifled home his first league goal of the season.

Despite the early damage, Sundowns responded with their trademark resilience. Brayan Leon led the recovery, rising to head in a pinpoint delivery from Nuno Santos before converting from the penalty spot moments later after a handball by Mpho Mvelase.

The contest remained finely poised at 2-2 at the break, but Galaxy struck again almost instantly after the restart. A high defensive line from Sundowns was punished as Siphesihle Maduna broke through and squared for Mvelase, who made amends for his earlier mistake by tapping into an empty net.

From there, the game became stretched, with Sundowns throwing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Miguel Cardoso introduced Khulumani Ndamane, Miguel Reisinho and Tashreeq Matthews in an attempt to change the momentum, and Reisinho twice came close, including a low effort that forced another save from Tape.

Galaxy, however, held firm under pressure. Williams was called into action late on to deny Junior Zindonga from close range as Sundowns pushed desperately, but the Rockets' defence stood strong to secure a memorable win.

The result ends Sundowns' long unbeaten league run and dents their title hopes at a critical stage, while also giving Pirates a clear opportunity to take control of the championship race. For Galaxy, it marks a significant turnaround as they snapped a winless streak and confirmed their Premiership survival under interim coach Parker.

Manqoba Mngqithi "will take over" as Sundowns head coach, says agent Mike Makaab