Mamelodi Sundowns were left shell-shocked on Saturday as TS Galaxy delivered a ruthless first-half performance to knock the Brazilians out of the Nedbank Cup with a 2–0 victory at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
It was an abrupt end to Sundowns’ cup ambitions, bowing out at the round of 16 and surrendering the final realistic shot at silverware this season. Galaxy, by contrast, grew in belief with every minute, feeding off early uncertainty in the visitors’ ranks to complete one of the surprises of the competition so far.
The warning signs surfaced almost immediately as Sundowns, fielding a heavily rotated line-up, struggled to find fluency. Galaxy pressed with intent and were rewarded in the 19th minute when the visitors were punished for trying to play out from the back.
Divine Lunga’s pass was intercepted, leaving Sphamandla Ngwenya with only Denis Onyango to beat. The midfielder kept his nerve, rolling a composed finish into the bottom corner as disbelief spread through the Sundowns defence.
Galaxy sensed blood and refused to let Sundowns settle. Their confidence was evident in how quickly they moved the ball forward, forcing rushed clearances and scrambling recoveries. The second goal arrived in the 32nd minute after another moment of exposure down the left.
Young fullback Thato Sibiya was isolated against the pace of Seluleko Mahlambi, who burst past him before being clipped inside the area. Junior Zindoga stepped up and calmly sent Onyango the wrong way from the penalty spot to double the advantage.
Coming into the match, Sundowns were under pressure to back up their midweek league statement with progress in the cup, but the physical and mental toll of a demanding night in Soweto was evident.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso made ten changes to his starting XI, with Nuno Santos the only survivor, and the lack of continuity showed in both possession and defensive organisation.
Galaxy were sharper to second balls and more purposeful in the final third, while Sundowns dominated the ball without incision as the half wore on.
The break arrived with the visitors facing a steep climb. In response, Sundowns made triple changes early in the second half, sacrificing Sibiya, Kutlwano Letlaku and Tsiki Ntsabeleng. The introduction of a front four featuring Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile, Bryan Leon and Santos signalled clear intent.
They nearly pulled one back four minutes after the restart when Santos wriggled into the box and picked out Matthews, but Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape produced a fine save to push the effort around the post.
It proved to be Sundowns’ clearest opening as Galaxy retreated into a compact, disciplined block, absorbing pressure and running down the clock with maturity. Sundowns next turn their focus to a midweek league trip to AmaZulu, while Galaxy can savour a statement cup scalp before returning to action later this month.
Smiso Msomi
iol.co.za
