Kamogelo Sebelebele opened his goal-scoring account for the season in style as TS Galaxy handed Mamelodi Sundowns a rare defeat in the Betway Premiership, securing a 1-0 victory at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. The result propelled Galaxy to fourth place on the table with 25 points, while Sundowns remain at the summit with 42 points from 16 matches.
It was a frustrating night for Miguel Cardoso, as the defeat marked his first league loss since taking charge of Sundowns in December 2024.
The defending champions dominated possession in the opening exchanges, pressing high into the opposition half but struggling to find the finishing touch in the first 15 minutes.
Sundowns nearly broke the deadlock in the 26th minute through Lucas Ribeiro after a slick move involving Aubrey Modiba and Tashreeq Matthews.
However, the Brazilian forward was denied by the woodwork, letting Galaxy off the hook.
The hosts had their first real opportunity in the 35th minute from a set-piece after Mpho Mvelase was fouled.
Khulumani Ndamane struck a powerful shot that forced Ronwen Williams into a fine save, tipping the ball out for a corner, which Galaxy failed to capitalize on.
Sundowns continued to push forward, with Modiba finding Peter Shalulile, who teed up Teboho Mokoena, but the midfielder's effort hit the side-netting.
Just before halftime, Dzenan Zajmovic set up Sebelebele, who found the back of the net from a tight angle to give Galaxy a crucial lead at the break.
Cardoso made changes at the start of the second half, introducing Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners in place of Matthews and Keegan Johannes. Morena looked lively immediately and went close to equalizing but failed to hit the target.
Galaxy had a golden opportunity to double their lead 10 minutes into the half when Victor Letsoalo combined with substitute Puso Dithejane in the box, but the move fizzled out.
Minutes later, Sundowns won a free-kick after Mokoena was fouled. The 28-year-old took a well-struck shot from distance, but Ira Tape pulled off a strong save to keep Galaxy ahead.
The match remained a tense battle, with Sundowns struggling to break down a resolute Galaxy defense. In the 78th minute, Rayners won a free-kick just outside the box, but Modiba’s effort lacked power and was comfortably saved.
Sundowns wasted two final chances in the last 10 minutes—Mokoena fired wide from a promising position, and a late free-kick went straight into Tape’s hands. The result sealed Sundowns’ second league defeat of the season, while Galaxy celebrated a statement victory in their push for a top finish.