Mkhulise’s late brace sinks Galaxy as Sundowns edge five-goal thriller

Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a win from the jaws of defeat after Sphelele Mkhulise’s late double cancelled out Victor Letsoalo’s brace as they beat TS Galaxy 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Galaxy started the Betway Premiership match from where they left off last season, having handed Sundowns a 3-2 defeat in the season finale in May, as they came from behind to surprise Miguel Cardoso’s side.

Sundowns started brightly and were rewarded with a seventh minute goal but would later pay the price for their inefficiency in front of goal.

The Brazilians secure maximum points in Mpumalanga 💪

TS Galaxy (33', 77' Letsoalo) 2️⃣➖3️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (7' León, 88', 90+5' Mkhulise) #Sundowns #BetwayPrem #NeverStopRising pic.twitter.com/y5w3kqtq1J

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 11, 2026

The Brazilians made a run towards goal with the ball squared to Tashreeq Matthews, who was brought down in the box, leading to a penalty. Bryan Leon stepped up and sent Galaxy goalkeeper Eliezer Ira Tape the wrong way for 1-0.

Galaxy nearly shocks Sundowns

However, after the goal, Sundowns failed to stretch their lead and would be punished after 32 minutes. A wayward pass from Nuno Santos was intercepted by Letsoalo, who made a run into the box and slotted low past Ronwen Williams at his near post. That is how it ended at the break with Galaxy going into halftime with their tails up.

Upon resumption, Sundowns should have scored two minutes later when they went on the counter attack with Leon passing to Matthews who laid it on the plate for Antonio van Wyk only for the new signing to blaze over the bar.

Leon would have a chance in the 68^th minute when he let it fly on the half-volley but drew a good flying save from Tape.

Nine minutes later, Galaxy were celebrating a second goal. Mpho Mvelase brought in a good ball from a freekick and Letsoalo rose highest to head home after Ronwen Williams fumbled with the ball.

By then, it looked like Galaxy were about to pull off another upset but Sundowns had an ace up their sleeves.

Mkhulise’s late steals all three points

The Brazilians sent a firm warning seven minutes from time when Matthews missed a seater from a corner but five minutes later, the equaliser arrived.

Good movement from Sundowns in and around the box saw Khuliso Mudau cut back to Cassius Mailula whose effort was kept out by Tape. However, the ball was deflected off Sphelele Mkhulise and into the net for 2-2.

Sundowns looked to have rescued a point from the jaws of defeat but they would soon claim all three points as deep into stoppage time, Mkhulise won it at the death.

The Brazilians went on one final attack with Mudau squaring the ball to Mkhulise who swept it home from close range to complete the turnaround.

The win saw Sundowns avoid what would have been a first opening day defeat since 2007 and can now look forward to building onto it as they hope to reclaim the league title.