TS Galaxy dash Sundowns league title hopes

The Betway Premiership clash, played at the Mbombela Stadium on May 12, saw Galaxy storm into an early 2-0 lead within the opening 18 minutes.

Galaxy opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Victor Letsoalo converted from the penalty spot before Sedwyn George doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 18th minute.

Sundowns responded strongly as they searched for a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 38th minute when Brayan Leone pulled one back to make it 2-1.

The Brazilians restored parity just three minutes later after Leone completed his brace from the penalty spot following a handball decision against a Galaxy defender inside the box.

With their own survival ambitions at stake, Galaxy refused to back down. Aware that dropped points could drag them closer to the relegation/play-off zone, the Mpumalanga side came out firing after the break.

Their determination paid off almost immediately when Mpho Mvelase scored the decisive goal in the opening minute of the second half — a strike that effectively shattered Sundowns’ title hopes.

Galaxy, under the guidance of mentor Bernard Parker, were also inspired by goalkeeper Ira Eliezer Tapé, who produced crucial saves to deny Sundowns several scoring opportunities.

The 2025/26 campaign has undoubtedly been one of the toughest for Sundowns after dominating South African football with eight successive league titles from the 2017/18 season through to 2024/25.

Despite the disappointment, Sundowns remain the most successful club in the history of South Africa’s top-flight league with a record 17 league championships.

Having completed their season on 68 points, Orlando Pirates are now firmly in control of the title race. Pirates need just one win and a draw from their remaining two fixtures — at home against Durban City on May 16 at Orlando Stadium and away to Orbit FC on May 23 — to clinch the league crown.