TS Galaxy dumped Mamelodi Sundowns out of the Nedbank Cup Last 16 with a 2-0 victory at a sold-out Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga on Saturday afternoon.
The 2019 Nedbank Cup champions booked a spot in the quarter-final of the tournament with goals from Sphamandla Ngwenya and Junior Zindoga in the first-half.
Sundowns shifted their focus to the cup action after producing an impressive performance midweek against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership.
The Brazilians claimed a 2-1 victory over log leaders Pirates at FNB Stadium with a brace from Brayan Leon, while Patrick Maswanganyi scored the consolation goal for the home side.
Sundowns’ crucial win against the Buccaneers saw them cut Pirates’ lead at the summit of the league table to three points as the Soweto giants are on 38 points in 17 matches, while Downs accumulated 35 points in 16 games.
Meanwhile, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made 10 changes to the starting line-up that did the duty against Pirates, with only Nuno Santos surviving from the previous match.
Galaxy had a perfect start to the match after capitalising on Sundowns’ defensive frailties. The Rockets found the back of the net in the 19th minute through Sphamandla Ngwenya, who took advantage of Divine Lunga’s costly error at the back.
TS GALAXY PULLS OFF BIG UPSET AGAINST SUNDOWNS
After the half-hour mark, Galaxy scored the second goal through Junior Zindoga from a penalty spot after Thato Sibiya found Seluleko Mahlambi in the box.
The Mpumalanga-based side went into the half-time break with a commanding 2-0 lead, with Sundowns having it all to do in the second-half. In the second stanza, Masandawana made three substitutions after bringing in Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Morena, and Brayan Leon in place of Kutlwano Lethlaku, Katlego Ntshabeleng, and Thato Sibiya.
The Tshwane giants went out guns blazing, looking to overturn the scoreline; however, Galaxy remained solid at the back with goalie Tape Ira producing match-winning saves.
Sundowns failed to bring a twist to the encounter as Galaxy pulled off a major upset with a 2-0 win to join AmaZulu FC in the last eight of the competition. In another match that kicked of at 15:00, Durban City FC booked a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final after beating Upington City FC 2-0 on penalties following a goalless draw in 120 minutes.
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