Sphelele Mkhulise strikes twice as Mamelodi Sundowns stage late comeback at TS Galaxy

Sphelele Mkhulise scored in the 88th and 93rd minutes as Mamelodi Sundowns overturned a late deficit to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 on Tuesday evening.

Sundowns had controlled much of the match, but looked set to suffer a second successive defensive setback after Letsoalo’s second goal put TS Galaxy 2-1 ahead with 14 minutes remaining. Mkhulise changed the outcome in the closing stages, first equalising with a deflected effort before completing the comeback by turning in Khuliso Mudau’s low cross.

The result followed a dramatic contest in which Sundowns led early, surrendered their advantage and then produced a decisive finish.

Brayan Leon opened the scoring from the penalty spot after only six minutes. Junior Zindoga was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Tashreeq Matthews inside the area, allowing Leon to convert.

Leon scored 10 goals in 15 league appearances last season, and needed only six minutes to register his first goal of this campaign.

Mamelodi Sundowns dominated possession from the start and appeared more disciplined than they had been in last season’s meeting at Mbombela Stadium. Miguel Cardoso adjusted his defence after Sundowns conceded twice against Polokwane City in Saturday’s MTN8 quarter-final, bringing Malibongwe Khoza into the team.

The back line also included Kegan Johannes, while Brayan Leon and Nuno Santos made their first appearances of the campaign.

Despite Sundowns’ control, TS Galaxy found a route back into the match in the 33rd minute. Santos gave the ball away unnecessarily close to his own penalty area, allowing Tshepo Kakora to take possession and feed Victor Letsoalo. The striker remained composed and fired the ball between Ronwen Williams’ legs to make it 1-1.

Cardoso made a change at half-time, replacing Santos after 45 minutes with young striker Bennet Mokoena. Mokoena had impressed in Sundowns’ match against Polokwane City at the weekend.

TS Galaxy were happy to defend deep and absorb pressure, prompting Cardoso to adopt a more attacking approach. With 30 minutes remaining, Sphelele Mkhulise and Saturday’s match-winner Cassius Mailula entered the game for Antonio Van Wyk and Gomolemo Kekana.

However, Sundowns were again punished from a set-piece. Cardoso had expressed concern about his side’s defending at dead-ball situations after Saturday’s match, but the problem resurfaced when Mpho Mvelase’s free-kick picked out an unmarked Letsoalo. His header flew into the bottom corner to give TS Galaxy a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute.

Sundowns responded strongly in the final stages. Mkhulise’s deflected finish restored parity five minutes before the end of normal time, and he then completed the turnaround in the third minute of stoppage time when he met Mudau’s low delivery.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ next three fixtures are away to Kaizer Chiefs, followed by home matches against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu.

TS Galaxy will host Golden Arrows before travelling to face Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United.