Sundowns snatch late win as substitute Mkhulise strikes twice against Galaxy

Sphelele Mkhulise scored in the 89th and 94th minutes to give Mamelodi Sundowns a dramatic 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night.

The substitute, who replaced young youth international midfielder Gomolemo Kekana in the 63rd minute, turned the match around after Sundowns had appeared to be heading for defeat. His late double secured three points as the Brazilians began their attempt to reclaim the Premiership title they lost to Orlando Pirates in 2025-26.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ opening league match came more than a week after the rest of the teams, with their pre-season preparations affected by the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams last month.

The victory also continued an unusual early-season trend for the champions. Sundowns conceded 21 goals across the 30 league matches that saw them finish runners-up to Orlando Pirates last season, but they have already allowed four goals in their opening two league and cup fixtures of the new campaign.

Their first match was a 3-2 MTN8 quarter-final victory over Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. They then produced another high-scoring success at a freezing Mbombela Stadium, although they had to recover from twice falling behind.

Sundowns made the brighter start and took the lead after just seven minutes when Brayan Leon found the net.

TS Galaxy levelled in the 33rd minute after a stray pass presented Victor Letsoalo with an opportunity, which he converted from a tight angle.

The hosts moved back in front in the 77th minute through an unfortunate moment for Sundowns. Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams could only awkwardly parry Letsoalo’s free-kick header, with the ball ending up in his own goal.

Mamelodi Sundowns responded through Mkhulise, who first finished calmly after finding space inside the penalty area to make it 2-2.

The substitute then completed the turnaround in stoppage time. Tashreeq Matthews produced the skill that allowed Khuliso Mudau to advance down the right side of the box, before Mudau squared the ball for Mkhulise to finish past Ivorian goalkeeper Eliezer Ira Tape.

The result gives Sundowns an important early win in their bid to regain the Premiership crown, despite their delayed start and the defensive problems that have accompanied their first two competitive matches.