WHAT TO EXPECT
TS Galaxy 2-3 Mamelodi Sundowns: Mkhulise late brace ends Mbombela hoodoo
Mamelodi Sundowns began their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with a remarkable 3-2 comeback against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Galaxy were leading 2-1 with the match entering its final stages, but substitute Sphelele Mkhulise scored twice to turn the game in Sundowns’ favour.
The victory also ended Sundowns’ recent struggle to beat Galaxy in Mpumalanga.
TS Galaxy 2-3 Mamelodi Sundowns
| Minute | Scorer | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 7′ | Brayan León (penalty) | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 33′ | Victor Letsoalo | TS Galaxy |
| 77′ | Victor Letsoalo* | TS Galaxy |
| 88’/89′ | Sphelele Mkhulise | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Stoppage time | Sphelele Mkhulise | Mamelodi Sundowns |
*The official PSL statistical record lists the 77th-minute goal as a Ronwen Williams own goal, while the club and several media reports credit it to Victor Letsoalo. The match narrative here follows the latter convention.
How Sundowns turned the game around
Sundowns got on the scoreboard early when Tashreeq Matthews was brought down inside the penalty area. Brayan León took responsibility from the spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
Galaxy gradually found their way back into the contest. Their equaliser arrived in the 33rd minute when Victor Letsoalo finished after Sundowns were caught out following a loss of possession.
The home team then completed the turnaround after the break. A Mpho Mvelase free-kick created the opportunity for Letsoalo, whose header ended up in the goal after Ronwen Williams was unable to keep the ball out.
Sundowns were suddenly facing another disappointing result at a ground where they had struggled in recent meetings with Galaxy.
Miguel Cardoso responded from the bench, bringing on Sphelele Mkhulise.
The change proved decisive.
Mkhulise pulled Sundowns level late in the match. His effort took a deflection before finding the net, giving the visitors renewed belief.
There was still time for one more twist.
Khuliso Mudau played a part in the winning move, with Mkhulise finishing again in stoppage time to complete his brace and send Sundowns home with all three points.
The match was played in wet and cold conditions, adding to the difficulty of the contest.
Mkhulise becomes the difference
Mkhulise was not on the pitch when Galaxy established their 2-1 advantage.
By the final whistle, he was the main reason Sundowns had won.
The football midfielder’s introduction gave Cardoso’s side an attacking spark when they needed it most. His two late finishes transformed a match that appeared to be slipping away into a winning start to the league campaign.
For Sundowns, it was an early example of the depth available within the squad.
León gives Sundowns the perfect start
Before Mkhulise’s late heroics, León had given Sundowns the advantage from the penalty spot.
The Colombian forward joined the club from Independiente Medellín in January 2026 and made an impact during the second half of the previous campaign.
His early goal at Mbombela gave Sundowns control of the opening stages, although Galaxy eventually turned the match around.
Why the Mbombela win matters
The venue added extra significance to the result.
Galaxy had beaten Sundowns 3-2 at the same stadium in May 2026. That defeat came during the final stages of the previous league campaign and hurt Sundowns’ title challenge.
This time, Sundowns produced the opposite result.
They had failed to win on their previous four visits to Mpumalanga to face Galaxy. Breaking that run required a comeback after conceding twice, making the victory even more dramatic.
There was also a notable season-opening record on the line.
Sundowns are now unbeaten in 19 consecutive league season openers, with 13 wins and six draws since their last opening-day defeat in 2007.
What else happened in the Betway Premiership?
Three other league matches were played on 11 August:
- Polokwane City 3-3 Stellenbosch FC
- Chippa United 1-1 Richards Bay
- Marumo Gallants 0-0 Kruger United
The early league table remains unsettled because clubs have played different numbers of matches.
What’s next for Sundowns?
Sundowns now turn their attention to Kaizer Chiefs.
The two sides meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 15 August 2026, giving Sundowns only a few days to recover from their dramatic win in Mbombela.
The match will provide an early test of whether Sundowns can carry their winning momentum into the new campaign.
What the result means
Sundowns looked set to leave Mbombela empty-handed after Galaxy took a 2-1 lead in the second half.
Instead, two late goals from Mkhulise changed everything.
The comeback gives Sundowns three points to begin the new Betway Premiership season and, perhaps just as importantly, ends a difficult recent run against Galaxy in Mpumalanga.
For Galaxy, the defeat will be particularly frustrating after holding the lead so late in the match.
For Sundowns, the focus now moves to their next challenge against Kaizer Chiefs.
Sources: SABC Sport, News24 and the official Premier Soccer League match report.
