Mamelodi Sundowns produced a dramatic late comeback to secure their first Betway Premiership victory of the new season, beating TS Galaxy 3-2 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night as an entertaining four-match programme produced 14 goals.
The champions’ victory was the standout result of the night, but the biggest goal-fest came in Polokwane where Polokwane City and Stellenbosch FC shared six goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane.
The night’s other two matches also ended in draws, with Chippa United and Richards Bay sharing a 1-1 draw, while Marumo Gallants were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Kruger United.
Sundowns leave it late against Galaxy
Sundowns appeared to be heading for a disappointing start to their league campaign when TS Galaxy twice fought back after the visitors had taken the lead.
Brayan León Muñiz opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute after Sundowns were awarded a spot-kick.
Galaxy, however, refused to buckle and veteran striker Victor Letsoalo levelled the contest before the hosts went ahead after another dangerous attack. Letsoalo’s header struck the post before the ball went into the net off Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns eventually restored parity when Sphelele Mkhulise’s effort took a huge deflection and found the back of the net.
With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Mkhulise completed a remarkable night by scoring the decisive goal in the 94th minute. The substitute finished off a low cross from Khuliso Mudau to give Sundowns all three points.
The comeback was particularly significant for Sundowns, who had not played their opening league fixture after their match against Marumo Gallants was postponed.
The result leaves Sundowns with three points from their opening match, while Galaxy remain without a point after their first two matches.
Six-goal thriller at Seshego Stadium
At Seshego Stadium, Polokwane City and Stellenbosch produced arguably the most entertaining match of the evening before settling for a 3-3 draw.
Giovanni Philander put Rise and Shine in front with his first professional goal.
Stellenbosch responded strongly and turned the match around through Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who scored his first goal for the club, before Devin Titus added another to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage.
Polokwane refused to surrender.
Surprise Manthosi scored his first senior goal to bring the home side level, before Raymond Daniels put Polokwane back in front at 3-2.
The drama was not over, however.
Stellenbosch found a late equaliser when Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula was unfortunate to be credited with an own goal, leaving the sides level at 3-3.
The draw means Polokwane City have four points from their opening two league matches after their 2-1 away to Richards Bay on the opening weekend. They are now topping the league’s log with four points.
Chippa and Richards Bay share the spoils
Chippa United and Richards Bay also failed to produce a winner in a 1-1 draw.
Chippa took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ntuthuko Mlotshwa found the back of the net.
Richards Bay responded with one of the goals of the night as Namibian midfielder Baggio Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa unleashed a spectacular long-range effort to level the match.
Neither side could find a winner in the remaining minutes and the points were shared.
The result leaves Chippa with two points from two matches, having also drawn 0-0 with Golden Arrows on the opening weekend, while Richards Bay have one points from their opening two matches after losing their first match to Polokwane City.
Kruger United and Marumo Gallants share a spoilt point
Kruger United secured an away points after holding Marumo Gallants to a 0-0 draw
Gallants had the clearest opportunity to break the deadlock when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo missed a first-half penalty.
Kruger, who lost their opening match 3-1 to Kaizer Chiefs, defended resolutely to secure a valuable away point in their first season in the top flight.
For Gallants, the draw means they are still waiting for their first league win after their opening fixture against Sundowns was postponed.
Early log picture
After Tuesday night’s matches, the early Betway Premiership table is already beginning to take shape, although several teams still have matches in hand because of the postponed fixtures.
The picture will change again on Wednesday when AmaZulu host Orlando Pirates, Durban City face Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs take on Sekhukhune United, and Milford FC meet Siwelele.
With the defending champions already showing their ability to rescue points from difficult situations, and several clubs separated by only a handful of points, the early stages of the Betway Premiership are already hinting at a closely contested title race.