Mbunjana walked away with a cheque of R100 000 for man of the match
By Kopano Dibakwane
High-flying Mamelodi Sundowns were unceremoniously kicked out of the Carling Black Label knockout cup by Mpumalanga outfit,TS Galaxy, in a game played at the Mbombela stadium on Wednesday evening.
Galaxy shocked Sundowns by netting two goals within 16 minutes in the first half from Sphiwe Mahlangu(12th Minute) and Mlungisi Mbunjana(16th minute). Galaxy continued to dictate terms through periodical counter attacks which saw the Tshwane team struggling to maintain their usual dominance.
Sundowns managed to score their first goal in the 57th minute of the second half from Marcelo Allende, followed by another goal that came in the 97th minute of optional time by Gaston Sirino .
The disastrous highlight of the match came when Sundowns player Bongani Zungu received a red card for a shameless and horrendous career-ending tackle which severely broke the leg of Galaxy’s Bernard Parker.
Both teams fought gallantly in the extra time, but failed to score, subsequently leading to penalty shootouts. Galaxy secured their winning goal during sudden death after both teams scored equal goals in the first five penalties.
Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokoena blamed the shortage of key players such as Khuliso Mudau, Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, who were part of the Bafana Bafana squad that played a friendly match against Cote D’Ivoire on Tuesday evening, as a contributing factor to the loss. Downs goal specialist Peter Shalulile was also out on injury.
Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic was overwhelmed by Parker’s injury and could not comment during the post match interview.
The man of the match prize went to Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbunjana who walked away with a cheque of R100 000 for his exceptional performance throughout the match.
