Sundowns and Golden Arrows name starting XIs for MTN8 semi-final first leg

Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows have confirmed their starting line-ups for this afternoon’s MTN8 semi-final first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

Sundowns arrive at the match after recording a 2-0 league victory over Marumo Gallants in midweek. They booked their place in the last four of the MTN8 by beating Polokwane City 3-2 after extra time.

Golden Arrows, meanwhile, are the only team yet to score a league goal this season. Their first three league matches have all ended in goalless draws.

Their only goal of the campaign came in the MTN8 quarter-finals, when they defeated Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium to reach the semi-finals.

The recent head-to-head record between the two sides is evenly balanced. Sundowns have won two of their past five meetings, Arrows have also recorded two victories, and the other match ended in a draw.

Sundowns will start with Goss in goal, behind a defence of Johannes, Khoza and Mdunyelwa. Aubaas, Allende, Modiba and Mokoena are also named in the starting line-up, while Ndlovu, Mailula and Mothiba complete the team.

Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI: Goss, Johannes, Khoza, Mdunyelwa, Aubaas, Allende, Modiba, Mokoena, Ndlovu, Mailula, Mothiba.

Substitutes: Onyango, Mvala, Basadien, Morena, Mkhulise, Zwane, Matthews, Santos, Leon.

Golden Arrows have selected Maova to start, with Shezi, Agnokoi, Mabaso and Maluleke also included in the team. Gasa, Zwane and Maxwele are named alongside Dlamini, Dion and Sithole.

Golden Arrows starting XI: Maova, Shezi, Agnokoi, Mabaso, Maluleke, Gasa, Zwane, Maxwele, Dlamini, Dion, Sithole.

Substitutes: Mbanjwa, Mbatha, Mantshiyane, Madonsela, Karelse, T. Khumalo, Van Rooi, Ousmane, P. Khumalo.

The first leg gives both sides an opportunity to establish an advantage before the return meeting. Sundowns’ route to the semi-finals included a high-scoring encounter with Polokwane City, while Arrows’ progress came through a narrow win against Kaizer Chiefs.

The match also brings together a Sundowns side fresh from a league victory and an Arrows team still searching for its first league goal of the season, despite already having found the net in the MTN8.

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