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Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
PSL

Sundowns slump at Galaxy in title blow

TS Galaxy downed Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 to dent Sundowns’ cushion at the top of the table. Sundowns remain top on points, but the title race is now firmly in Orlando Pirates’ hands. A win in their next match would seal the league with a game to spare.

TS Galaxy made the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty inside the opening five minutes after a dangerous move into the Sundowns area ended with a foul on the Galaxy attacker. Letsoalo stepped up and confidently sent Ronwen Williams the wrong way to give the hosts an early lead.

Mamelodi Sundowns responded with urgency and nearly found an immediate equaliser after a defensive mistake allowed Arthur Sales a clear sight of goal, but Tape produced an excellent save to preserve Galaxy’s advantage.

Despite enjoying long spells of possession, Sundowns struggled to break through a disciplined Galaxy defence and were punished again in the 18th minute. The hosts launched a quick counter attack before George cut inside from the right and curled a superb strike beyond Williams to double Galaxy’s lead.

Sundowns continued to push forward and eventually found a way back into the contest late in the half. Leon rose highest to power home a header in the 39th minute after a dangerous delivery into the box reduced the deficit to 2-1.

The visitors were then handed a major opportunity moments later when the referee pointed to the penalty spot for handball inside the area. Leon completed his brace from the spot, calmly converting to bring Sundowns level at 2-2 before the interval.

Tensions boiled over deep into stoppage time following a clash between players near the Sundowns box, with both sets of players becoming involved before officials managed to restore order. Leon was among those shown a yellow card as tempers flared in a fiery end to the half.

Galaxy struck immediately after the restart. Mvelase was played through and finished clinically past Williams to restore the home side’s lead at 3-2 just one minute into the second half.

From there, the game opened up completely. Sundowns pushed bodies forward in waves, with Modiba, Mokoena and Rayners all involved as they searched for an equaliser, but Galaxy remained dangerous on the break and continued to threaten every time they crossed halfway.

The match turned increasingly frantic as Sundowns ramped up the pressure. Tape made a series of important saves, while last-ditch defending and blocked efforts kept the champions at bay. Galaxy also had chances to kill the game, including a one-on-one opportunity brilliantly denied by Williams with around ten minutes remaining.

Late substitutions and tactical changes saw Sundowns throw everything forward, but the home side managed the final moments with discipline and game management, running the clock down and defending their box with determination.

Sundowns now turn their attention to the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat on Sunday.

Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

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