Arrows stun Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final first leg

Golden Arrows secured a surprise 1-0 away win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Junior Dion scored the only goal of a disrupted contest in Atteridgeville, where the intense heat and a number of injuries contributed to a stop-start afternoon.

Sundowns enjoyed the greater share of possession and created most of the clearer opportunities, but it was Arrows who led at half-time after producing a clinical counter-attack.

Dion took advantage of his first chance of the match when he raced on to an imperfect through ball from Khulekani Shezi. The Ivorian forward then finished beyond the advancing Ricardo Goss, whose appearance was his first start for Sundowns since 2022 following several loan moves in recent seasons.

The visitors could have fallen behind early on when Lebo Mothiba was sent through one-on-one with Eduard Maova. The Namibia international goalkeeper denied him, although Maova sustained an injury in the process and was unable to continue.

Maova was stretchered off after only 17 minutes and replaced by Thakasani Mbanjwa, in a major setback for Pitso Dladla’s side. Arrows, however, recovered their shape and maintained the defensive organisation that helped them eliminate Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals.

Sundowns changes fail to break Arrows

Arrows had an opportunity to extend their lead soon after the restart. Nhlanhla Gasa tried his luck from distance, but his effort flew narrowly over Goss’ crossbar, providing relief for the home supporters.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso responded by making four changes at half-time. Brayan Leon and Tashreeq Matthews came on for Mothiba and Bennet Mokoena, while Nuno Santos and Sphelele Mkhulise replaced Cassius Mailula and Bathusi Aubaas.

The hosts continued to press for an equaliser and came close again with 20 minutes remaining. Keagan Johannes met Thapelo Morena’s accurately delivered corner with a powerful header which appeared destined for the top corner, but Mbanjwa produced an outstanding save to palm the ball away.

That intervention helped preserve Arrows’ narrow advantage as Sundowns searched for a response in the closing stages. The visitors remained disciplined, absorbed the pressure and silenced the home crowd before completing an important victory.

Arrows will now take a 1-0 lead into the second leg in KwaZulu-Natal next week, with the result giving them a valuable advantage in the contest for a place in the MTN8 final.