Kaizer Chiefs knocked out of MTN8 by Golden Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of winning early silverware under Fernando Da Cruz were ended by Golden Arrows, who secured a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium on Sunday to reach the MTN8 semi-finals.

Khulekani Shezi scored the only goal of the 2026 MTN8 quarter-final, striking eight minutes after half-time to send Abafana Besthende into the last four.

Golden Arrows now join Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals, while Chiefs face another early exit from a competition they have not won since 2014.

The result was particularly frustrating for Amakhosi after they had controlled much of the first half without finding a way through. Chiefs recorded 11 attempts before the interval, but their pressure was undermined by a lack of composure in the final third.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo was among those unable to take advantage of the opportunities created by Chiefs’ pressing. The midfielder found promising positions but could not provide the finish needed to reward his side’s stronger moments.

Golden Arrows, by contrast, stayed organised and absorbed the pressure. They then produced the decisive piece of quality soon after the restart.

Shezi, operating from right-back, recognised that Brandon Petersen was positioned too far from his goal. He responded with a powerful effort towards the near post, which left the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper unable to move across quickly enough as the ball flew past him.

The goal gave the visitors a valuable advantage in a contest that had been closely fought during the opening 45 minutes. Chiefs were unable to find an equaliser and were forced to accept another disappointing MTN8 campaign.

The defeat is the first major setback of Da Cruz’s tenure at Kaizer Chiefs. The Frenchman had made an encouraging start since taking charge, guiding Amakhosi to victory in the Toyota Cup before they began their Betway Premiership campaign with a 3-1 win against newly promoted Kruger United.

Sunday’s result underlined the scale of the task facing Da Cruz as he works to build a squad capable of challenging for trophies on several fronts. Chiefs must now return their focus to league football while attempting to recover from another early cup disappointment.

For Pitso Dladla and Golden Arrows, the win represents an important statement at the beginning of a new era. Their disciplined performance at FNB Stadium has earned them a place in the MTN8 semi-finals and ended Chiefs’ latest attempt to bring the trophy back to the club.

Nqobeko Dlamini of Golden Arrows is challenged by Lebogang Maboe of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2026 MTN8 quarter-final at FNB Stadium.