Sphelele Mkhulise completes stoppage-time comeback as Mamelodi Sundowns beat TS Galaxy

Mamelodi Sundowns began their Betway Premiership campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, with Sphelele Mkhulise scoring in the final minute of stoppage time to complete a remarkable comeback.

Sundowns had fallen 2-1 behind after Galaxy striker Victor Letsoalo scored his second goal of the match in the 77th minute. The Brazilians responded with sustained pressure before finding a late equaliser and then completing the turnaround through Mkhulise.

The result gives Miguel Cardoso’s side all three points from their opening league fixture and will provide considerable confidence after they had to recover from being behind for the first time in the contest.

Sundowns had started with the intention of taking control and were given an early opportunity when Junior Zindoga conceded a penalty. Brayan Leon, who joined the club in January and impressed during the second half of last season, took responsibility from the spot.

The forward converted to score his first goal of the new campaign and put Sundowns in front.

Wet and slippery conditions made the match difficult for both teams, affecting the quality of their touches and the timing of challenges. Sundowns enjoyed most of the possession, but TS Galaxy were organised in their approach and continued to threaten when they pressed high up the pitch.

That pressure produced the equaliser in the 33rd minute. Veteran striker Letsoalo finished a Galaxy attack to restore parity before half-time.

The forward then completed Galaxy’s comeback in the second half. In the 77th minute, he rose above a group of players inside the Sundowns penalty area to meet a free-kick delivery.

The ball took a difficult trajectory as it travelled towards goal, eventually beating Ronwen Williams and giving Galaxy a 2-1 lead.

Sundowns increased the intensity of their attacks in search of a response. They eventually drew level late in the match and continued to push forward in pursuit of a winning goal.

That decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Mkhulise, who had been introduced from the bench in the second half, found the back of the net in the final minute to secure an extraordinary victory for the Brazilians.

The comeback means Sundowns start their Betway Premiership campaign with maximum points despite having trailed in the closing stages.

Their next assignment will bring another major test. Cardoso’s team travel to FNB Stadium on Saturday to face Kaizer Chiefs.