TS Galaxy hold Mamelodi Sundowns to 1-1 at half-time in Premiership opener

Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy are level at 1-1 at half-time in their Premiership meeting at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The African champions were finally beginning their league campaign after a delayed start, but their opening assignment brought an immediate reminder of last season’s disappointment. TS Galaxy were the team that ended Sundowns’ hopes of winning a ninth successive title in their final match of the previous campaign.

Sundowns made the quicker start and moved in front after only seven minutes. Tashreeq Matthews was brought down by Junior Zindoga on the far side of the penalty area, giving the visitors the opportunity to take the lead from the spot.

Brayan Leon accepted the responsibility and converted the penalty with confidence, opening his account for the season and putting Mamelodi Sundowns ahead.

TS Galaxy, known as The Rockets, attempted to respond almost immediately. Ten minutes after falling behind, Sedwyn George escaped the offside trap and raced clear on the right before shooting from a narrow angle. His effort tested Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was able to keep it out.

Galaxy continued to apply pressure as they looked for a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off on the half-hour mark, when an effective pressing move forced Mamelodi Sundowns to surrender possession inside their own half.

The turnover created space for Victor Letsoalo to move into the right side of the penalty area. He finished through Williams’ legs to bring TS Galaxy level and give the home side renewed momentum before the interval.

The result remains finely balanced at the break, with both sides having found the net during an open first half. Sundowns made the stronger start through Leon’s penalty, while Galaxy’s pressing eventually produced the equaliser.

TS Galaxy started with Tape in goal, behind Motaung, Zulu, Mncwango and Kokora. Nkosi and Mvelase were also included, with Mahlambi, Zindoga, Letsoalo and George completing the starting line-up.

Mamelodi Sundowns named Williams between the posts, with Mudau, Johannes, Khoza and Kekana in the defensive unit. Basadien, Allende, Matthews, Van Wyk, Santos and Leon made up the rest of the starting XI.

The substitutes listed for the match were Goss, Mvala, Modiba, Mdunyelwa, Mkhulise, B. Mokoena, Zwane, Mailula and Rayners.