Galaxy stun Sundowns to leave title race in Pirates’ hands

Mamelodi Sundowns have all but handed their Betway Premiership crown to Orlando Pirates following a dramatic and damaging 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.

The result represents a monumental shift in the title race, leaving the Brazilians’ pursuit of a ninth successive league title hanging by the thinnest of threads.

The defeat in their final game of the campaign leaves Sundowns on 68 points, just three ahead of a surging Pirates. Crucially, the Buccaneers hold two games in hand and possess a superior goal difference, meaning a single win from their final two fixtures will be enough to end Sundowns’ long-standing dominance and secure their first league title in 14 years.

For TS Galaxy, the night was one of pure jubilation. Interim coach Bernard Parker celebrated his first victory in charge, a result that mathematically guaranteed the club’s top-flight safety and ended a dismal 12-match winless run in the league. The Rockets showed remarkable resilience to beat the champions for the second time this season, having already dumped them out of the Nedbank Cup.

Sundowns’ Dominance Dented: How TS Galaxy Gifted Pirates a Title Lifeline

The contest ignited within the opening six minutes when Seluleko Mahlambi drew a clumsy foul from Zuko Mdunyelwa inside the box. Victor Letsoalo made no mistake from the resulting penalty, firing low into the bottom corner to stun the visitors. Sundowns’ evening went from bad to worse ten minutes later when Sedwyn George finished off a clinical counter-attack to double the home side’s advantage.

Sundowns eventually found a foothold through the prolific Brayan Léon. The striker hauled his side back into the game with a commanding header in the 38th minute before drawing them level from the penalty spot just before the break after a handball by Mpho Mvelase.

However, any hopes of a Sundowns comeback were dashed immediately after the restart. Mvelase redeemed himself in the 46th minute, ghosting into the box to slot home a Sphesihle Maduna cross and restore Galaxy’s lead. Despite a frantic late onslaught that saw sub Tashreeq Matthews and Léon both go close, Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tapé produced a string of vital saves to preserve a famous victory and potentially crown a new champion in the process.