Kamogelo Sebelebele scored his first goal of the season as TS Galaxy humbled high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership to move up to fourth spot on the table with 25 points at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The result was also Miguel Cardoso’s first defeat in the league since arriving in South Africa in December 2024 but Sundowns remain at the summit of the table with 42 points in 16 games.
The defending champions enjoyed ball possession in the first half, getting into the Galaxy half and box, however were let down by their final touch in the opening 15 minutes.
The visitors could have broken the deadlock in the 26th minute through Lucas Ribeiro after a good build up involving Aubrey Modiba and Tashreeq Mathews but the Brazilian was denied by the woodwork.
The hosts had their first clear chance at goal in the 35th minute from a set-piece after Mpho Mvelase was fouled. Khulumani Ndamane took a powerful shot forcing Ronwen Williams to tip the ball out for a corner which the Rockets wasted.
With momentum increasing in the game Modiba started another move finding Peter Shalulile who passed to Teboho Mokoena whose shot hit the side of the net. A minute to the break, Dzenan Zajmoviv set-up Sebelebele who netted from a tight angle to open the scoring and give his side a lead at the break.
Cardoso wrung in changes at they start of the second stanza, bringing on Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners for Matthews and Keegan Johannes. Morena hit the ground running and went at the Galaxy goals but missed the target.
Galaxy could have doubled their lead 10 minutes into the half if Victor Letsoalo successfully linked with substitute Puso Dithejane in the box. Two minutes later Sundowns won a free-kick after Mokoena was fouled. The 28-year-old stepped up, took a shot from range, though he was on target he was denied by Ira Tape.
The sides exchanged possession with Sundowns still unable to make a successful build up to get back into the tie and Galaxy also working hard to double their lead. Sundowns won a set-piece just outside the box in the 78th minute after Rayners was fouled but Modiba’s tame take didn’t trouble the Galaxy keeper.
Sundowns wasted two chances to get back into the game inside the last 10 minutes from a Mokoena attempt which went wide and a free-kick which went into Tape’s hands, sealing their second defeat of the season in the league.
