TS Galaxy 3-2 Mamelodi Sundowns | South Africa Premier Soccer League | May 13, 2026

In a stunning upset that reverberated through the South African football landscape, TS Galaxy defeated the reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday night. The victory snapped Sundowns’ 18-match unbeaten run in the league and handed the Rockets their most famous scalp of the season.

Match Overview

The contest began at a frantic pace. Sundowns, known for their possession-heavy style under head coach Rhulani Mokwena, dominated the opening exchanges. However, it was TS Galaxy who struck first in the 12th minute. A swift counter-attack saw winger Mxolisi Macuphu cut inside from the left and fire a low drive past Denis Onyango.

Galaxy doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark. Centre-back Pogiso Sanoka rose highest at a corner kick to head home, leaving the Sundowns defence flat-footed. The visitors responded immediately—Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa latched onto a through ball from Teboho Mokoena and slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Key Moments

• 12' – Macuphu opens the scoring with a clinical finish.
• 29' – Sanoka’s header puts Galaxy 2-0 ahead.
• 33' – Ribeiro Costa pulls one back for Sundowns.
• 58' – Sundowns equalise through a Peter Shalulile header.
• 79' – Substitute Lindokuhle Mbatha scores the winner from a set piece.

Tactical Story

TS Galaxy bossed the middle third with a compact 4-4-2 shape, frustrating Sundowns’ intricate passing patterns. Coach Sead Ramovic instructed his full-backs to press high, forcing Sundowns into lateral movement. The Rockets’ discipline on set pieces proved decisive—both of their first-half goals came from dead-ball situations. After Sundowns levelled early in the second half, Galaxy showed remarkable resilience, defending deep and relying on quick transitions. The winner arrived when a free-kick was flicked on by Sanoka for Mbatha to volley home.

Standout Players

• Pogiso Sanoka (TS Galaxy) – Dominant in the air, scored one goal and assisted another.
• Mxolisi Macuphu (TS Galaxy) – Constant menace on the wing; opened the scoring.
• Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) – His movement and finishing kept Sundowns alive.

Impact on the Standings

The result leaves Mamelodi Sundundos top of the league table with 54 points from 22 matches, but their lead has been trimmed to five points. TS Galaxy climb to seventh place, now within striking distance of a top-eight finish. For Sundowns, this defeat serves as a rare wake-up call in a season where they have otherwise been untouchable.