Kaizer Chiefs suffer MTN8 quarter-final defeat as Lamontville Golden Arrows advance

Lamontville Golden Arrows have ended Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of an early trophy in the 2026-27 season, beating Amakhosi 1-0 in their MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday.

Khulekani Shezi scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute, with his cross-cum-shot deceiving Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and finding the net at the near post.

The result is an early setback for new Chiefs manager Fernando da Cruz, whose reign had begun positively with a 3-1 victory over promoted Kruger United in their Betway Premiership opener last weekend.

Chiefs had been hoping to build on an improved third-place finish in the league last season and challenge for more silverware after ending an 11-year wait for a trophy by winning the Nedbank Cup at the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

Instead, they have been eliminated at the first opportunity in this season’s opening domestic cup competition.

Chiefs controlled much of the first half but were unable to turn their dominance into a goal. Lebohang Maboe, Luke Baartman and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo all missed opportunities as the sides went into the interval level at 0-0.

Arrows then moved ahead shortly after the restart in unexpected fashion. A promising attack down the right created space for Shezi, who attempted to send a cross into the area.

The delivery travelled towards Petersen’s near post and wrong-footed the goalkeeper. His attempted one-handed save was unsuccessful, allowing the ball to slip into the net and leaving the home crowd stunned.

The goal gave Arrows the advantage against the run of play, but Chiefs were unable to find a response. Amakhosi pushed forward and committed more players to attack as they searched for an equaliser, yet Arrows defended their lead to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Lamontville Golden Arrows will be joined in the last four by Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United.

Sekhukhune United secured their semi-final place in Sunday’s other quarter-final, beating AmaZulu 4-3 in a seven-goal contest at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.

For Da Cruz and Chiefs, the defeat represents a disappointing conclusion to a competition in which they had hoped to make an immediate statement under their new coaching regime. Their attention now turns back to the Betway Premiership after Arrows’ disciplined performance brought their MTN8 campaign to an early end.