Galaxy stun Sundowns to leave Pirates one win away from PSL title

Mamelodi Sundowns all but handed Orlando Pirates the PSL title following a shock 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday.

Sundowns knew that only three points in their final match of the season would keep them in the hunt for a ninth straight league title even though Orlando Pirates needed to win both their two remaining games to be crowned.

However, Sundowns shot themselves in the foot when they conceded two goals inside 18 minutes before they fought back to draw 2-2 by halftime.

Galaxy scored just after seven minutes when Zuko Mdunyelwa committed a foul in the box, leading to a penalty which was converted by Victor Letsoalo.

Galaxy’s early pressure pays off

That goal woke up Sundowns and they went all-out in search of the equaliser. However, they left many gaps behind their defence and Galaxy used them to score the second goal.

In the 18^th minute, Galaxy’s aggressive pressing saw Arthur Sales lose the ball before the Rockets launched a counter attack with Seluleko Mahlambi making a good run forward before passing to Sedwyn George free at the back post and he fired pas Ronwen Williams for 2-0 to the shock of Sundowns.

However, the Brazilians, who had seen Bryan Leon denied one-on-one by Galaxy goalkeeper Eliezer Ira Tape, finally found a way past the lanky Ivorian custodian when Nuno Santos brought in a good cross which the Colombian forward headed home from close range to reduce the arrears in the 38^th minute.

Sundowns equalise but Rockets regain lead

Two minutes later, Sundowns were handed an opportunity to draw level when Mlungisi Mbunjana handled the ball in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Leon stepped up and sent Tape the wrong way for 2-2 four minutes to the break.

Sundowns’ hopes of taking the game beyond Galaxy in the second half went up in smoke as they conceded immediately after restart. Against the run of play, Galaxy beat the Brazilians’ high defensive line as Mpho Mvelase slotted home after a nice pass from Sphesihle Maduna.

Two minutes later, Miguel Cardoso’s team had an opportunity when Aubrey Midiba fired in a thunderous low shot which Tape dived to keep out.

What do Pirates need to win the title?

Bernard Parker’s team, however, remained resolute and should have scored a fourth goal in the final 10 minutes were it not for two top quick saves from Williams.

The defeat ended Sundowns’ run of 20 league games without a loss, having won 15 and drawn five, but more damaging, they have all but handed Orlando Pirates the title as the Buccaneers can seal it this weekend with a win against Durban City.

Sundowns end the season with 68 points while Pirates have 65 and still have two games left to play.

Pirates also have a superior goal difference of +8 over Sundowns and therefore need just one more win to be crowned for the first time since 2012.