Betway Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Galaxy put in a solid fight to give the defending champions their second loss of the season. Kamogelo Sebelebele scored the only goal of the match on the stroke of halftime.
The visitors made two changes from the team that beat rivals Orlando Pirates 4-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. Kegan Johannes and Tashreeq Matthews came in to replace Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena. Galaxy, on the other hand, made three changes to the side that beat Chippa United 1-0 three days ago.
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Besides the goal, neither side had many chances created in the first half. The first real chance of the match came in the 27th minute for the visitors. Lucas Ribeiro’s shot from inside the box hit the post. Khulumani Ndamane forced a brilliant save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a stunning free-kick a few minutes later.
Teboho Mokoena nearly opened the scoring for Sundowns five minutes before the break. But his shot from close range was deflected for a corner.
Just as the match looked like it was going into the break goalless, Kamogelo Sebelebele produced a moment of brilliance. His run from the left-hand side caught the Sundowns defence napping as he beat Williams to give Galaxy the lead on the stroke of half-time.
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Sundowns made two quick changes at the beginning of the second half. Iqraam Rayners came in for Tashreeq Matthews, while Kegan Johannes made way for Thapelo Morena. As Masandawana kept pushing for the equaliser, they nearly got one in the 57th minute. A stunning long-range shot from Teboho Mokoena forced a brilliant save from Ira Tape.
Substitute Thokozani Sibanyoni nearly made it 2-0 as Galaxy took the match to Sundowns. But his shot in the 75th minute was deflected for a corner. Despite more chances created, Sundowns failed to get an equaliser and suffered the defeat.
Galaxy jumped to the fourth spot on the log, while Sundowns remain at the summit – nine points ahead of Orlando Pirates.
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