Mamelodi Sundowns’ 10-match winning streak in the Betway Premiership came to an end this week after TS Galaxy bagged a workmanlike 1-0 win against the reigning league champions at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.
Scenes of jubilation broke out following the final whistle, as Kamogelo Sebelebele first-half strike saw Sundowns suffer their first defeat in the league since the 27th of October 2024.
Look at the scenes after the final whistle in Mbombela 🥳🎉#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/El6EI1p57F
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 11, 2025
After a period of intense pressure by the home side during the first five minutes of the match, Sundowns settled on the ball as the dust settled at the Mbombela Stadium.
Despite playing against an aggressive TS Galaxy counter press, the Brazilians looked assured on the ball and were patient in their build-up play.
Sundowns were in full control of the match after the 20th minute mark and frequently resorted to the long ball over the top to bypass the Galaxy backline.
Also, Lucas Ribeiro created the first notable scoring chance of the match for his side after striking the upright with a left-footed attempt in the 26th minute.
Despite Sundowns being more proactive on the ball, it was the Rockets who broke the deadlock moments before the halftime break.
After a swift transitional move inside the Downs half, Dzenan Zajmovic picked out Kamogelo Sebelebele with clever interplay on the edge of the area, who subsequently found the back of the net with a toe poke at Ronwen William’s near post.
The movement in the build-up to this goal 🤌🤌
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 11, 2025
TS Galaxy lead Sundowns at half-time 🚀🔴
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc @McDonalds_SA pic.twitter.com/h6PuCjbNwK
With Sundowns chasing the game, Miguel Cardoso’s side immediately assumed possession of the ball after the restart.
However, the Rockets remained alert to counter-attacking situations, which caused Downs nervy moments en-route to the 60th minute mark.
Galaxy’s tight marking frustrated Sundowns throughout the second half as the Brazilians battled to string consecutive passes together.
Thokozani Sibanyoni was the attacker-in-chief for Galaxy down the right flank as the clock ticked on and gave Lucas Suarez a torrid time in one-on-one scenarios.
The Rockets kicked into game-management mode during the last 10 minutes of the match which prompted Sundowns to pile on the pressure inside the opposition half.
Nevertheless, TS Galaxy held on to secure a famous 1-0 victory on home soil.
TS Galaxy: (1) 1 (Sebelebele 44’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: (0) 0
TS Galaxy: Ira, Munyai (Dithejane 53’), Kabini, Ndamane, Sibande, Mvelase (Mbunjana 83’), Mgaga (Maduna 53’), Sebelebele, Zajmovic (Dolly 83’), Mahlangu, Letsoalo (Sibanyoni 67’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Modiba, Suarez, Kekana, Johannes (Morena 46’), Mokoena, Adams (Maseko 54’), Matthews (Rayners 46’), Allende, Ribeiro, Shalulile (Kodisang 85’)