Mkhulise double ends Sundowns’ Mbombela misery in dramatic Galaxy victory

Mamelodi Sundowns overturned a late deficit to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 at Mbombela Stadium, with Sphelele Mkhulise scoring twice in the closing stages to give the reigning African champions a winning start to their 2026-27 Betway Premiership campaign.

The result ended a difficult run for Sundowns at the Mpumalanga venue, where they had lost to Galaxy in the final league match of last season. That 3-2 defeat proved decisive in the title race, allowing Orlando Pirates to take the advantage before eventually ending their 14-year wait for the league title.

Sundowns’ supporters had braved wet and cold conditions in Mbombela, but many appeared to have accepted another defeat as Galaxy led with only five minutes remaining.

Instead, Mkhulise produced a remarkable late intervention to settle a match that had looked to be slipping away from Miguel Cardoso’s side.

Sundowns had arrived with a score to settle. Their defeat by Galaxy last season cost them three points in the title race, while Pirates went on to claim the championship after beating Milford FC on the final day.

Pirates had drawn with Durban City in their penultimate fixture, but played their final two matches after Sundowns had completed their campaign. Sundowns had asked for several games to be rescheduled to allow them more preparation time for the CAF Champions League final.

Galaxy had also become a particularly difficult opponent for the Brazilians. Sundowns had failed to win in their previous four visits to Mpumalanga to face the club, including a Nedbank Cup defeat at KwaMhlanga Stadium last season.

Their determination to change that record was reflected in the team selected by Cardoso. Although Teboho Mokoena and Grant Kekana were rested ahead of the weekend meeting with Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns still fielded a stronger side than their spirited hosts.

They made an aggressive start and were awarded a penalty after six minutes when TS Galaxy striker Junior Zindonga fouled Tashreeq Matthews inside the area. Brayan Leon converted, sending goalkeeper Ira Tape the wrong way.

The early advantage allowed Sundowns to control possession, but Galaxy had already shown in previous meetings that they could do considerable damage without dominating the ball.

Victor Letsoalo demonstrated that again by scoring in each half. His first goal came shortly after the half-hour mark, before his second arrived with 13 minutes remaining to put Galaxy ahead.

That second strike came soon after Tape had denied Sundowns twice, making excellent saves from Antonio van Wyk and Leon. The missed opportunities appeared to have left Sundowns facing another painful result in Mbombela.

Cardoso responded with four changes, all designed to increase the attacking threat. The most influential was the introduction of Mkhulise for Gomolemo Kekana shortly after the hour mark.

Mkhulise is not known primarily for his goalscoring, but his ability to find decisive passes proved crucial. His first goal arrived with two minutes remaining when his shot took a deflection off Oupa Motaung and ended up in the Galaxy net.

The equaliser gave Sundowns renewed hope, although the visitors had begun to view a draw as the best result available at a ground that had repeatedly troubled them.

Mkhulise was not finished. After the referee’s allotted additional time had expired, he struck again to complete the comeback and his brace.

Sundowns’ substitutes and coaching staff ran towards the halfway line to celebrate a victory that finally broke the hold TS Galaxy and Mbombela Stadium had appeared to have over them.