Sphelele Mkhulise emerged as the hero for Mamelodi Sundowns after scoring twice in the final minutes to snatch a 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy in a dramatic Betway Premiership opener at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.
Sundowns appeared to be heading for defeat after Galaxy overturned an early deficit to take a 2-1 lead with 13 minutes of normal time remaining.
The Brazilians had started strongly, with Brayan Leon putting them ahead from the penalty spot in the seventh minute after Tashreeq Matthews was fouled inside the box.
Galaxy responded before half-time when Victor Letsoalo capitalised on a Sundowns error to equalise.
The hosts then completed the turnaround in the 77th minute when Letsoalo’s header struck the post before rebounding off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and crossing the line.
With time running out, Sundowns intensified their attack and were rewarded in the 88th minute. Khuliso Mudau delivered a decisive pass into the area, allowing substitute Mkhulise to calmly level the score.
The midfielder was not finished.
Deep into stoppage time, Mudau again found Mkhulise near the front post, where he made no mistake to complete his brace and seal a remarkable comeback.
The victory gives the defending champions an early boost and provides some revenge after Galaxy ended Sundowns’ hopes of a ninth successive league title in the final game of last season.
Sundowns will now turn their attention to another major test when they travel to FNB Stadium on Saturday to face Kaizer Chiefs.