Sundowns face MTN8 fightback after Golden Arrows take first-leg lead

Mamelodi Sundowns must overturn a one-goal deficit in the MTN8 semi-final second leg after Junior Dion’s 38th-minute strike gave Golden Arrows a 1-0 victory.

The result leaves Abafana Bes’thende with the advantage ahead of the return fixture in Durban, while Sundowns head coach Cardoso believes his team showed enough determination to remain confident of reaching the final.

Sundowns made several changes to the side that beat Marumo Gallants 2-0 on Wednesday. Lebogang Mothiba and Siyanda Ndlovu came into the starting line-up, while Ricardo Goss replaced Ronwen Williams in goal.

Cardoso felt Sundowns had controlled the opening stages, but said the match was disrupted when Arrows were forced to change their goalkeeper. The stoppage lasted several minutes and, in his view, affected his players’ concentration and intensity.

The hosts were unable to find an equaliser before the interval, prompting Cardoso to make a double substitution at half-time. Brayan Leon and Tashreeq Matthews replaced Bennet Mokoena and Mothiba as Sundowns looked for a route back into the tie.

Although the changes gave the home side greater urgency, Sundowns continued to struggle with their finishing and decision-making in the final third. Arrows goalkeeper Mbanjwa also produced several important saves to protect the lead.

“Our half-time team talk was an attempt to re-organise the team and make them believe they can turn it around. Golden Arrows only had one shot on target in the game and that was the only goal, but football can be like that. Some of my players tried to adapt to the speed of the game, and the substitutes brought energy in the second half and we had a lot of shots that the goalkeeper saved.”

Cardoso said Sundowns would need to be more disciplined in the second leg, particularly when dealing with Arrows’ counter-attacking threat.

“We have to be stronger in the second leg and not allow Arrows three or four counter attacking chances. I believe the team was committed in this first leg, and I think the character we showed today will also come through for us in the second leg.”

The Portuguese coach was also asked about the competition for places among Sundowns’ attacking players, including Iqraam Rayners and Tsiki Ntsabeleng.

Cardoso explained that Rayners was unwell, although this had not been included in the medical team’s information, while Ntsabeleng still needed to improve in training before being considered for the match-day squad.

Sundowns will next turn their attention to Wednesday’s Betway Premiership meeting with AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld.

The Brazilians will then travel to KwaZulu-Natal for the decisive MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday. They must win by at least two goals on aggregate to secure a place in the final.