Mkhulise's double sinks TS Galaxy as Sundowns win 2-3

Mamelodi Sundowns have created another clear chance as they continue searching for the equalizer. Cassius Mailula received the ball in a promising position and fired a shot toward the goalkeeper’s near post, but the TS Galaxy goalkeeper reacted quickly to control the effort and push it away from danger. Sundowns are increasing the pressure in the final stages and are beginning to find more opportunities around the Galaxy penalty area, but the home defense and goalkeeper remain firm. Galaxy continue to protect their 2-1 advantage.

Mamelodi Sundowns are struggling to respond after TS Galaxy moved into a 2-1 lead. The visitors are trying to push forward and regain control, but they have yet to create a clear opportunity near the Galaxy goal. The home side are defending with greater confidence and using their advantage to slow the tempo whenever possible. Sundowns need to find more precision and urgency in the final third if they want to produce the equalizer, while Galaxy remain focused on protecting their lead as the match enters its closing stages.

Mamelodi Sundowns have created another dangerous opportunity as they continue to push for the winning goal, but the TS Galaxy goalkeeper reacted well once again to contain the threat and keep the score level. The visitors are increasing their attacking pressure and have now made two changes in the forward line, looking to add fresh legs, speed and greater presence in the final third. Sundowns are clearly searching for another breakthrough, while Galaxy remain compact and rely on their goalkeeper to keep them in the contest.

As Mamelodi Sundowns increase the tempo, they are beginning to find more spaces in the TS Galaxy defense. The visitors are accelerating their passing and attacking transitions, forcing the home side to retreat and reorganize quickly. However, Sundowns have not been able to make the most of these openings, with their final passes and decisions in the attacking third lacking precision. Galaxy are surviving the pressure and remain compact, but they will need to stay alert as Sundowns continue searching for a breakthrough.

TS Galaxy are trying to get further forward as the second half progresses, showing more willingness to leave their defensive shape and search for opportunities in attack. However, the home side are still lacking clarity in the final third and have not created enough danger to seriously trouble Mamelodi Sundowns. Galaxy are taking a few more risks with their positioning, but Sundowns remain well organized and ready to exploit any spaces left behind. With the score still level at 1-1, the Rockets will need greater precision if they want to turn their increased attacking intent into clear chances.

Mamelodi Sundowns have made a couple of substitutions to inject fresh energy into the team as the second half progresses. The coaching staff are looking to maintain the intensity in midfield and attack while giving the side more dynamism in the final third. With the score still tied at 1-1, the changes could prove important in a closely contested match where both teams are searching for the winning goal. The fresh legs will also give Sundowns more options to press TS Galaxy and sustain pressure in the closing stages.

The game has become more balanced once again, with neither side able to establish sustained control after the opening stages of the second half. Mamelodi Sundowns continue to look dangerous when they move forward, but TS Galaxy have improved their defensive positioning and are competing more effectively in midfield. The home side are also showing greater confidence when they win possession, while Sundowns are finding it harder to maintain long spells of pressure. With the score still level at 1-1, the match remains open and either team could find the decisive opportunity.

Mamelodi Sundowns continue to control possession early in the second half, moving the ball around with patience and trying to regain the attacking dominance they showed at the start of the match. The visitors are keeping TS Galaxy pinned back and looking for spaces between the lines, although they have yet to turn their control into a decisive opportunity. Galaxy remain compact defensively, waiting for the right moment to win the ball and exploit the space on the counterattack.

Mamelodi Sundowns have started the second half with renewed attacking intent and quickly created a clear opportunity through Bongani Mokoena. The midfielder found space to threaten the TS Galaxy defense and produced a promising effort, but the home goalkeeper reacted well to contain the danger and prevent Sundowns from taking the lead. The visitors have come out with greater intensity after the break, looking to recover the control they enjoyed during the opening stages, while Galaxy remain focused on maintaining their defensive structure.

The first half is approaching its conclusion, with Mamelodi Sundowns trying to regain the advantage they lost after TS Galaxy’s equalizer. The visitors have increased their attacking presence and are looking for spaces in the final third, but they are still lacking the necessary depth and precision to seriously trouble the home defense. TS Galaxy, meanwhile, have grown in confidence since making it 1-1 and are competing with greater intensity. The Rockets now look more comfortable on the ball and are showing more ambition going forward as the break approaches.

Mamelodi Sundowns are trying to regain possession and gradually move closer to the TS Galaxy goal after losing control of the game following the equalizer. The visitors are circulating the ball with more patience and attempting to build attacks through midfield, but they have yet to create a clear-cut opportunity. TS Galaxy remain well organized defensively and are closing down the spaces effectively, forcing Sundowns to rely on longer combinations and patient buildup. The match is becoming more evenly contested as both teams search for the next opening.

TS Galaxy have completely changed the momentum of the match after finding the equalizer. The home side are now taking the initiative, pushing higher up the pitch and finding spaces in the Mamelodi Sundowns defense. Galaxy are moving the ball with greater confidence and creating more promising attacking situations, while Sundowns have struggled to regain possession and are no longer controlling the tempo as they did at the start. The visitors are being forced to defend deeper, with Galaxy sensing an opportunity to turn their strong spell into a second goal.

TS Galaxy have finally found a chance to break forward on the counterattack after spending much of the match defending deep. The home side managed to advance quickly and create a promising approach toward the Mamelodi Sundowns penalty area, but the move was dealt with calmly by the visiting goalkeeper, who reacted well to prevent any real danger. It is an encouraging moment for Galaxy, who will hope this counter can give them greater confidence and help them find more attacking opportunities.

Mamelodi Sundowns remain firmly in control of possession, dictating the tempo and keeping TS Galaxy pinned back in their own half. The visitors are circulating the ball with confidence, patiently looking for spaces to penetrate the Rockets’ defensive structure. Galaxy, meanwhile, are still struggling to find clear attacking routes and have been unable to connect enough passes to build dangerous moves. The home side will need to improve its ball retention and find more space in the final third if it wants to change the momentum of the match.

Mamelodi Sundowns are showing no intention of slowing down their attacking approach after taking the early lead. The visitors continue to push forward with intensity, moving the ball quickly and looking to exploit spaces behind the TS Galaxy defense. Sundowns are maintaining possession high up the pitch and forcing Galaxy to defend deep, while constantly searching for another opening in the final third. The Rockets are struggling to change the momentum and need to find a way to regain control before Sundowns can extend their advantage.

TS Galaxy are still struggling to string together even two consecutive passes, unable to maintain possession or build attacks from the back. Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, remain firmly in control of the ball and are dictating the tempo of the match. The visitors are circulating possession patiently, forcing Galaxy to remain deep and defend for long periods. Sundowns are also maintaining their intensity after taking the early lead, looking to exploit any defensive gap and increase their advantage.

Mamelodi Sundowns are trying to take firm control of the match after taking the lead, keeping the pressure on TS Galaxy and looking to dictate the tempo through possession. The visitors are moving the ball confidently and searching for spaces to create another opportunity in the final third. TS Galaxy, meanwhile, are struggling to establish themselves in the game. The Rockets have been unable to retain possession for extended periods and have yet to produce a dangerous counterattack, leaving them with limited options to threaten Sundowns’ defense.

Mamelodi Sundowns have started the match with a clear attacking intent, looking to take control of possession and push TS Galaxy back from the opening minutes. The visitors are moving the ball with patience and trying to find spaces between the lines, while TS Galaxy have adopted a more cautious approach. The Rockets are defending with a compact and well-organized block between midfield and defense, prioritizing their shape and waiting for opportunities to recover possession and launch quick counterattacks. The opening exchanges have been intense, with Sundowns showing greater initiative while Galaxy remain disciplined.

Mamelodi Sundowns were highly effective away from home in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership, finishing with 9 wins, 4 draws and only 2 defeats in 15 away matches. They scored 19 goals and conceded 8, collecting 31 of a possible 45 points. Their away victories included wins over Magesi (2-0), Stellenbosch (1-0), Sekhukhune United (2-0), Orlando Pirates (2-1), AmaZulu (1-0), Orbit College (2-0), Durban City (1-0) and Polokwane City (1-0). Their two away defeats came against Golden Arrows (0-1) and, on the final matchday, TS Galaxy (2-3). 

Mamelodi Sundowns have added Antonio Van Wyk from SV Ried and Siyanda Ndlovu from Lamontville Golden Arrows as their principal new signings for 2026/27. The club has also incorporated Cassius Mailula after his loan spells abroad. Van Wyk has already made an immediate impact, scoring and assisting in the 3-2 MTN8 victory over Polokwane City, while Ndlovu was brought in to add attacking quality. Sundowns' official pre-season update confirmed all three as additions to the squad.

TS Galaxy have undergone a major squad rebuild for the 2026/27 season, officially unveiling 14 new signings. The arrivals are Sifiso Ngobeni, Edson Khumalo, Zuko Gxabusa, Camagu Mdevulana, Siphesihle Tati, Nhlakanipho Ngwenya, Katekane Mhlongo, Thabelo Tshikweta, Azola Jakalashe, Lennol Mathebula, Mpho Maoke, Simthandile Sishi, Anslin William and Bongani van der Heiden. The recruitment follows a 12th-place finish in 2025/26 and is designed to strengthen the squad under Bernard Parker. 

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged that his team is still developing physically after a demanding pre-season and the 120-minute MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City. Speaking before the league opener, he said: “I think we had chances even to score more. Obviously, suffering another goal from set pieces brings a lot of energy to the opponent and then it’s a matter of pursuit.” Cardoso also admitted: “We are still not at our best physically, it’s clear. Our pre-season was quite tough.” Sundowns will therefore seek to overcome fatigue and begin their title-recovery campaign positively.

TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker highlighted the areas his team must improve after the 2-2 draw against Siwelele, particularly possession, aggression and finishing. Ahead of the meeting with Sundowns, Parker stressed the importance of correcting those details at Mbombela Stadium: “We didn't take much control where we needed to take control and manage the game [against Siwelele]. Also, on the other end, our aggression wasn't how we wanted it to be and how we expected the players to be proactive in winning the ball.” He also added: “We did create chances, and it is expected of us to convert those chances.”

Mamelodi Sundowns have registered several exits or squad changes ahead of 2026/27. The most notable departure is Peter Shalulile, who was released after six seasons with the club. Tsiki Ntsabeleng also left following the end of his loan, returning to Dallas, while Terrence Mashego moved on loan to Durban City. Shalulile finished his 2025/26 campaign with 6 goals and 1 assist in 23 appearances across competitions. Sundowns have otherwise retained a strong core while reinforcing the squad.

As of the available 2026/27 transfer records, TS Galaxy have registered no departures and no new arrivals in the current window. Transfermarkt's latest league transfer database lists the Rockets with 0 incoming transfers, 0 outgoing transfers and a €0 transfer balance. This means there is currently no officially recorded transfer exit to report for the new campaign, although squad changes can still occur as the window progresses.

Mamelodi Sundowns' five most recent competitive matches are: May 24, 2026, AS FAR 1-1 Sundowns; May 17, Sundowns 1-0 AS FAR; May 12, TS Galaxy 3-2 Sundowns; May 9, Sundowns 7-4 Siwelele; and May 6, Sundowns 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs. Their record in those five games was 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat, with 12 goals scored and 9 conceded. The sequence also includes their CAF Champions League final triumph over AS FAR, winning 2-1 on aggregate.