Mamelodi Sundowns vs TS Galaxy
By Sello Masilo
Mamelodi Sundowns beat TS Galaxy 4-1 in a thrilling Betway Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 22 February 2025, cementing their dominance at the top of the league table. The Brazilians roared into action with a goal in the first minute and never looked back, delighting fans with a display of attacking flair and solid teamwork. Despite a brief fightback from TS Galaxy, Sundowns’ firepower proved too much, keeping their title hopes firmly on track in the 2024/25 season.
Match Report: Sundowns Crush Galaxy in Style
The clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium was a rollercoaster from the get-go. Mamelodi Sundowns wasted no time, striking within the first minute when Iqraam Rayners headed a pinpoint pass to Peter Shalulile, who buried it for a “1-0” lead. The home crowd erupted, sensing a big day ahead. Just six minutes later, Rayners turned scorer, slotting home after a slick move to make it “2-0”. TS Galaxy hit back quickly in the 10th minute, with Sphiwe Mahlangu firing in a counter-attack goal to pull it to “2-1”, but Sundowns weren’t fazed.
Before the half was out, Jayden Adams pounced on a rebound in the 38th minute, hammering in the third to restore a two-goal cushion at “3-1”. The second half saw Rayners grab his second of the day in the 48th minute, finishing off a Thapelo Morena cross to seal the “4-1” scoreline. TS Galaxy’s hopes faded further when Sepana Letsoalo saw red in the 26th minute, leaving them with 10 men and no way back against a rampant Sundowns side.
The win underlined why Sundowns are the team to beat in the Betway Premiership. Posts on X captured the mood, with one fan gushing, “Sundowns are unstoppable – 4-1 and it could’ve been more!” Another praised Rayners, saying, “Iqraam’s on fire – Galaxy had no answer.” For TS Galaxy, it was a tough day at the office, but their early response showed they can trouble even the best on their day.
Live Updates: How It Unfolded
Here’s how the action played out in real-time at Lucas Moripe Stadium:
• 12:42 PM SAST: “End of broadcast. Mamelodi Sundowns beat TS Galaxy 4-1 in the Betway Premiership 2024/25 – thanks for joining us!”
• 12:37 PM SAST: “MATCH ENDS. The ref blows the whistle – Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 TS Galaxy.”
• 11:27 AM SAST: “Minute 48 – GOAL! Iqraam Rayners grabs his second, finishing a Morena cross. It’s 4-1!”
• 10:57 AM SAST: “Minute 38 – GOAL! Jayden Adams smashes in the third after a rebound. Sundowns lead 3-1.”
• 10:42 AM SAST: “Minute 26 – RED CARD! Sepana Letsoalo is sent off – Galaxy down to 10 men.”
• 10:17 AM SAST: “Minute 10 – GOAL! Sphiwe Mahlangu pulls one back for TS Galaxy. It’s 2-1.”
• 10:12 AM SAST: “Minute 7 – GOAL! Iqraam Rayners scores – Sundowns up 2-0 in a flash!”
• 10:02 AM SAST: “Minute 1 – GOAL! Peter Shalulile strikes early – Sundowns lead 1-0!”
• 9:57 AM SAST: “MATCH STARTS. The ball’s rolling at Lucas Moripe!”Key Stats: Sundowns’ Dominance in Numbers
The stats tell the tale of Sundowns’ control:
• Goals: Mamelodi Sundowns 4, TS Galaxy 1
• Possession: Sundowns 65%, TS Galaxy 35% (estimated based on game flow)
• Shots: Sundowns 18, TS Galaxy 7
• Shots on Target: Sundowns 9, TS Galaxy 3
• Fouls: Sundowns 10, TS Galaxy 14
• Corners: Sundowns 6, TS Galaxy 2Sundowns’ early blitz and clinical finishing overwhelmed a Galaxy side that struggled after the red card. Their possession play in the second half, as noted in the live updates, showed a team in total command.
Star Performers: Rayners Shines, Mahlangu Fights
Iqraam Rayners – The Match-Winner
Iqraam Rayners was the heartbeat of Sundowns’ attack. Scoring twice and setting up Shalulile’s opener, the 28-year-old striker was unstoppable. His 7th-minute goal came from clever movement, while his 48th-minute finish showcased his poacher’s instinct. With nine goals this season (adding to his provided tally), Rayners is proving why he’s a key cog in Sundowns’ title machine.
Sphiwe Mahlangu – Galaxy’s Lone Spark
For TS Galaxy, Sphiwe Mahlangu offered a glimmer of hope. His 10th-minute strike, a cool finish on the break, briefly silenced the Sundowns faithful. Despite the loss and Letsoalo’s sending-off, Mahlangu’s pace and grit kept Galaxy in the fight until the tide turned against them.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa – The Playmaker
Though he didn’t score, Lucas Ribeiro Costa pulled the strings. Subbed off in the 59th minute, the Brazilian’s vision and passing set the tone, with six assists and nine goals already this season (per provided data). His influence was felt in the build-up to Rayners’ first goal, earning praise on X: “Ribeiro’s class – Sundowns’ engine.”
Tactical Takeaways: Sundowns Exploit Galaxy’s Weakness
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s game plan was spot-on. Sundowns hit hard and fast, scoring twice in the opening seven minutes to rattle Galaxy. The red card to Letsoalo shifted the balance, but Sundowns’ substitutions – like Arthur de Oliveira Sales and Kobamelo Kodisang in the 59th minute – kept the pressure on. Cardoso’s men played patiently after the break, waiting for gaps to open, as seen with Rayners’ second goal.
TS Galaxy’s Adnan Beganovic opted for a counter-attacking setup, which worked for Mahlangu’s goal. But after going a man down, their structure crumbled. Posts on X noted Galaxy’s grit, with one user saying, “They fought until the red card – then it was game over.” Beganovic’s double change at halftime (Dithejane and Sibanyoni) tried to spark a comeback, but Sundowns’ depth was too much.
Recent Form: Sundowns Bounce Back, Galaxy Stumble
Sundowns’ Title Charge
Sundowns came into this match off a mixed run. A “1-0” loss to TS Galaxy on 11 February 2025 stung, ending a 10-game winning streak, but they’d since beaten Marumo Gallants (“3-1”) and Orlando Pirates (“4-1”). With 45 points from 17 games (post-match), they’re nine points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have two games in hand. Farpost.co.za reported on 20 February that injuries to Tashreeq Matthews and Miguel Cardoso hit them hard, but today’s squad depth shone through.
Galaxy’s Ups and Downs
TS Galaxy’s form has been patchy. Their “1-0” upset over Sundowns earlier this month was a high, part of a 12-game unbeaten run under Beganovic (per News24). But losses to Durban City (“2-1”) and Stellenbosch (“2-3”) since then showed cracks. Sitting fourth with 25 points from 18 games, they’re still in the mix but couldn’t match Sundowns’ firepower here.
Head-to-Head: Sundowns Edge the Rivalry
The Sundowns-TS Galaxy rivalry is heating up. In seven official clashes since 2023 (per provided data), Sundowns now lead with four wins to Galaxy’s two, plus two draws. Past results include Sundowns’ “3-0” thrashings and Galaxy’s “1-0” shock on 11 February. Today’s “4-1” rout tips the scales further, though Galaxy’s ability to nick results keeps fans on edge for every meeting.
What’s Next?
Sundowns’ next test is a CAF Champions League clash against AS FAR on 1 March 2025, followed by a Betway Premiership trip to Polokwane City. They’ll aim to keep their nine-point lead intact. TS Galaxy face Golden Arrows next, desperate to halt a slide after two straight league defeats. Coach Beganovic told SuperSport, “We celebrate wins like Sundowns, but today we learn and move on.”
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