Sphelele Mkhulise’s late double completes dramatic Mamelodi Sundowns comeback

Mamelodi Sundowns scored twice in the closing stages to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening, with Sphelele Mkhulise striking in the 88th and 93rd minutes to secure all three points.

Sundowns dominated possession from the opening whistle and spent the early stages pressing Galaxy deep inside their own half. The hosts created the first opportunity inside four minutes, although Victor Letsoalo’s effort went wide.

The visitors were awarded a penalty two minutes later after Junior Zindonga fouled Tashreeq Matthews inside the box. Colombian striker Brayan Leon took responsibility and calmly sent Ira Tape the wrong way to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead.

Galaxy responded in the 33rd minute when Sundowns were punished for a mistake in defence. Santos misplaced a pass, allowing Tshepo Kakora to regain possession. Kakora then produced an excellent delivery for Letsoalo, who finished past Ronwen Williams to level the score at 1-1.

Sundowns began the second half strongly and almost restored their lead immediately. Matthews used his pace to get beyond two defenders before laying the ball off to Antonio Van Wyk, but his shot was saved by Tape.

The visitors continued to apply pressure as they searched for a second goal. In the 68th minute, Matthews played a well-timed pass to Bennet Mokoena, who used a first-time touch to set up Leon. However, Tape again denied Sundowns with an important save.

Despite Sundowns’ pressure, it was Galaxy who moved in front for the first time. Mvelase delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, where Letsoalo met the ball with a header. His effort struck the post before rebounding off Williams and crossing the line to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.

Galaxy appeared set to hold on for victory, but Sundowns found a late response with two minutes of normal time remaining. Khuliso Mudau played a superb pass into the box, and Mkhulise reacted quickly to tap the ball home and make it 2-2.

The same combination then produced the decisive moment in the 93rd minute. Mudau again found Mkhulise inside the penalty area, and the midfielder made no mistake with his finish to complete the comeback.

The result gave Mamelodi Sundowns all three points after they had trailed for the first time in the match, while TS Galaxy were left without a reward despite twice taking the lead.