Sundowns' title hopes dented after shock loss

Mamelodi Sundowns were unable to open a six-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership after losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy in their final game of the season on Tuesday night.

With the title on the line, Masandawana concluded their campaign and came into the encounter in fine scoring form after a dramatic 7-4 victory over Siwelele FC as Galaxy looked to end their 11-game winless streak in the league

Sundowns should’ve got off to the perfect start in the first minute when a defensive mix-up by Mlungisi Mbunjana gifted Arthur Sales a clear one-on-one opening but brave goalkeeping from Ira Tape denied the Brazilian forward.

The Rockets gained momentum from the near scare at one end and raced in front six minutes later after Zuko Mdunyelwa clattered into Seluleko Mahlambi to concede a penalty, which Victor Letsoalo calmly converted from 12-yards out.

Masandawana were picked apart again 11 minutes later when a counter-attack ended with Mahlambi racing clear before teeing up Sedwyn George to rifle into the bottom-corner for his first league goal of the season for the Rockets.

The reigning champions didn’t lose their heads and launched a fight back ten minutes to halftime after Brayan Leon rose high in the area following a pin-point cross by Nuno Santos and headed home to bag his tenth league goal of the season.

Sundowns completed the comeback a minute later when a ball from the left-side into the area caught the outstretched arm of Mpho Mvelase – forcing the referee to point to the penalty spot and Leon stepped to the fore to fire in and ensured a first half brace.

For a deep dive into the tactical breakdown from this clash

After halftime, the Rockets regained the lead exactly a minute into the second half as Sphesihle Maduna broke clear wide of the defence and with Williams out of position laid off a first-time pass to Mvelase to tap into an empty net.

The match remained open with attacks from one end to the other as a smooth one-touch passing move over the halfway line granted Aubrey Modiba to come in on the inside-left of the area and fired a shot towards the far corner, but Tape palmed.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso went to the substitutes bench to aid a comeback as Grant Kekana, Marcelo Allende, Arthur Sales made way for Khulumani Ndamane, Miguel Reisinho and Tashreeq Matthews.

Masandawana battled immensely though had a decent chance later on when a forward pass unleashed Reisinho to take aim from a tight angle in the area, but Tape got down for the save.

Williams then kept the score down in the last ten minutes after he stepped off his line to thwart point-blank attempts in quick succession by substitute Junior Zindonga.

In the end, Sundowns were unable to salvage a point and closed off their campaign with a defeat – giving a massive advantage to Orlando Pirates in the title-race while the Rockets grabbed their first win under interim coach Bernard Parker.