Arrows edge Sundowns to seize advantage in MTN8 semi-final

Lamontville Golden Arrows moved closer to the MTN8 final with a 1-0 first-leg victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Junior Dion, last season’s Golden Boot winner after scoring 15 goals, struck the decisive goal to give Abafana Bes’thende a narrow advantage before the return match in Durban next Sunday.

The result also preserved Golden Arrows’ perfect defensive record this season. They have now kept clean sheets in all five of their matches across the league and MTN8.

Sundowns dominated possession for long periods and created the early opportunities, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 38th minute.

Khulekani Shezi released a carefully weighted through-ball which Dion read early. He got to the ball before the advancing Ricardo Goss and calmly finished to put Golden Arrows in front.

It was a rare moment of involvement for Goss during the opening half. First-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was not included in the match-day squad, with Goss given his first appearance in Sundowns colours since May 2022.

Goss spent the past four years on loan at SuperSport United, who later became Siwelele following a change of ownership. Sundowns recalled him from Siwelele before the beginning of this season to serve as Williams’ understudy.

Sundowns had come close to scoring in the 11th minute when Lebo Mothiba seized on a loose ball inside the penalty area. His effort appeared destined to trouble the visitors, but Edward Maova produced an excellent leg save to prevent the opening goal.

Maova suffered discomfort in his knee during the incident and was unable to continue. Thakasani Mbanjwa replaced him after a six-minute delay.

Golden Arrows’ next significant chance came in the 23rd minute. Sabelo Sithole launched an impressive run from his own half, taking on several Sundowns players in a move reminiscent of an “Ankara Messi” moment.

Sithole eventually set up Nhlanhla Gasa, but the midfielder’s attempt went wide.

Although Sundowns made more progress into the penalty area and looked the stronger side for much of the first half, Golden Arrows were more clinical when their opportunity arrived.

Mbanjwa was also called upon to make an important save in first-half stoppage time, denying Bennett Mokoena and ensuring the visitors retained their lead.

Sundowns responded at the interval by replacing Mokoena and Mothiba with Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon.

The Tshwane giants made another double substitution 10 minutes into the second half, bringing on Sphelele Mkhulise and Nuno Santos for Bathusi Aubass and Cassius Mailula.

Those changes increased the pressure on Golden Arrows, but Mbanjwa produced several more crucial saves as Sundowns pushed for an equaliser.

Golden Arrows held firm to secure the advantage and take a valuable lead into the second leg, where they will host Sundowns in Durban next Sunday with a place in the MTN8 final at stake.