Mamelodi Sundowns opened their season with a hard-fought 3-2 win over TS Galaxy in a Betway Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday evening.
The Tshwane giants took an early lead through Brayan León’s converted penalty in the seventh minute. Match referee, Eugene Mdluli, awarded the Brazilians a penalty after Tashreeq Matthews was brought down by Junior Zindoga inside the box.
After trying a number of times, the Rockets finally equalised through their reliable marksman, Victor Letsoalo, in the 33rd minute. The Rockets led for the first time following an own goal by Sundowns goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, in the 76th minute.
Just as the Rockets thought they had the three points in the bag, Siphelele Mkhulise equalised for the African Champions in the 88th minute. And Mkhulise netted the Brazilians’ winning goal in referee’s added time.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape side, Chippa United, were held to a 1-1 draw by Richards Bay FC at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
The Chilli Boys led 1-0 at half-time through Ntuthuko Mlotshwa’s 23rd minute goal and Baggio Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa levelled matters for the Natal Rich Boyz three minutes into the second half.
Elsewhere, there was goals galore as Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City played to a 3-3 draw at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane. And Marumo Gallants drew goalless with Premiership newcomers, Kruger United, at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng, Rustenburg.
