TS Galaxy secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in their Betway Premiership clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. The decisive goal, scored by Kamohelo Sebelebele, handed Masandawana only their second league defeat of the season.
TS Galaxy vs Sundowns: Sebelebele’s Goal Seals the Win
The match saw TS Galaxy extend their impressive unbeaten streak to 13 matches across all competitions. Sebelebele’s strike just before halftime proved to be the difference, as the home side showcased defensive resilience to keep Sundowns at bay. Despite Sundowns’ dominance in possession, their inability to break down Galaxy’s defensive structure cost them valuable points in the title race.
Miguel Cardoso Blames Fixture Congestion
Following the defeat, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso attributed the loss to fatigue from a packed schedule. He acknowledged that his team started well, controlling the game in the first half, but the goal conceded before halftime disrupted their momentum.
“In the second half, our energy levels dropped significantly,” Cardoso admitted. “We tried to push forward, but fatigue affected our decision-making. TS Galaxy defended well, and we couldn’t break them down.”
He also criticised the demanding fixture list, stating that playing four matches in 72 hours took a toll on his squad. “We made a mistake by relying on the same players. It was impossible to maintain high intensity,” he added.
Sundowns’ Gruelling Schedule a Challenge
Sundowns have been facing a relentless fixture schedule, with matches in domestic league competitions, CAF Champions League commitments, and local cup competitions all piling up. The team has had to travel extensively, with little recovery time between crucial games. This has led to concerns about player fatigue, injuries, and the ability to maintain peak performance levels throughout the season.
Cardoso has previously voiced concerns over the lack of sufficient rest and preparation time, with players often having to play multiple high-intensity matches within days. The toll of this schedule was evident against TS Galaxy, as several key players showed signs of exhaustion.
Looking Ahead
TS Galaxy’s win reinforces their position as one of the most formidable teams in the league this season, while Sundowns will need to regroup ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Masandawana will return to action in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 against Mpheni Home Defenders at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, 16 February at 3 PM.
This result serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the challenges of maintaining consistency in a demanding league season. TS Galaxy’s defensive discipline and tactical execution were key to their success, while Sundowns will need to find solutions to their fatigue issues as the season progresses.
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