Mamelodi Sundowns missed an opportunity to open a 12-point lead at the top of the PSL table following a 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
A well-drilled Galaxy made life difficult for Sundowns, who looked tired from playing four games in 10 days.
Adnan Beganovic’s team were full value for their money as they took the game to Sundowns and they benefited from their brave approach against a team that was coming from a great result, following their 4-1 thrashing of title rivals Orlando Pirates last Saturday.
The lone goal was scored in the 44th minute through Kamogelo Sebelebele and it was something of beauty.
Rocket’s bravery pays massive dividends
A great move forward saw the Galaxy players pass the ball around the box before Sebelebele got into tight spaces, received the ball from Dzenan Zajmovic and slotted past Ronwen Williams in the Sundowns goal.
It was what their bravery deserved as they had bossed Sundowns up to that point.
Sundowns had a chance to score in the 26th minute when Lucas Ribeiro found the upright but Galaxy also tested Williams from a freekick which he tipped over.
From then on, Galaxy maintained their rhythm in the second half, restricting Sundowns to set-pieces and long-range efforts, which either went out or were saved by goalkeeper Ira Eliezer Tape.
How did Galaxy silence Sundowns?
Teboho Mokoena tried his luck twice from freekicks but Tape was equal to the task while playmaker Ribeiro was heavily marked, given no time and space in the entire match.
It proved to be Sundowns’ downfall as they lacked an outlet and failed to create from open play, working into the hands of Galaxy.
The win saw Galaxy move to fourth place on the log on 25 points and extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches, having last lost in October, while they ended Sundowns’ run of 10 straight wins in the league.
It was also coach Miguel Cardoso’s first loss in the league as they remain on 42 points, nine ahead of second-placed Pirates, but having played two games more than the Buccaneers.
