Mamelodi Sundowns crashed out of the Carling Knockout Cup after they suffered a 5-4 defeat on penalties at the hands of TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday.

The Brazilians got off to a good start and controlled possession early on as they attempted to break down the Galaxy defence.

Sundowns had the first opportunity of the game after six minutes but Rivaldo Coetzee’s glancing header sailed just wide of the crossbar.

It was Galaxy who opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Sphiwe Mahlangu found the back of the net after Bongani Zungu and Reyaad Pieterse failed to communicate at the back.

The Rockets then doubled their lead three minutes later when Mlungisi Mbunjana headed the ball home after getting on the end of Higor Vidal’s corner kick.

Zungu had a chance to redeem himself in the 26th minute when he latched on to Allende’s free-kick but the Sundowns midfielder guided his header over the bar.

Allende should have reduced the deficit on the half-hour mark but saw his first-time strike saved by Fiacre Ntwari.

Sundowns pushed forward in the closing stages of the match but Galaxy held on to their lead until the half-time interval.

Ntwari was called into action early in the second half when he produced a fantastic save to deny Mendieta’s powerful half-volley.

Sundowns eventually pulled a goal back in the 57th minute when Allende unleashed a strike from distance to find the back of the net to make it 2-1.

The Brazilians were then reduced to 10-men two minutes later when Zungu was shown a straight red card after his nasty challenge on Parker.

Coetzee should have drawn the game level in the 72nd minute when he latched on to a ball from Allende but the Sundowns midfielder saw his header saved by the Rockets keeper.

Rulani Mokwena opted to make a triple change two minutes later as Coetzee, De Reuck and Maema were replaced by Keabetswe Ramotsei, Lesiba Nku and Thapelo Maseko.

Galaxy thought they had won the game but substitute Sirino had other ideas after he latched on to a corner kick from Allende to slot the ball home deep in stoppage time to send the game into extra-time.

The scoreline remained level at 2-2 after 120 minutes of play forcing the game to be settled in a penalty shootout, which Galaxy went on to win after securing a 5-4 win on penalties.

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix