Mamelodi Sundowns lead Golden Arrows at half-time after Cassius Mailula strike

Mamelodi Sundowns lead Golden Arrows 1-0 at half-time in their MTN8 tie at King Zwelithini Stadium, with Cassius Mailula scoring a superb team goal to level the aggregate score at 1-1.

The visitors made the more positive start on Sunday afternoon and were rewarded after 30 minutes when Mailula combined brilliantly with Marcelo Allende inside the penalty area before placing his finish into the far corner.

The goal was Mailula’s second in the competition and made Mamelodi Sundowns the first side to score against Golden Arrows in the tie.

Miguel Cardoso’s side had attacked from the opening whistle, with Tashreeq Matthews and Fawaaz Basadien both testing the Golden Arrows defence with efforts from distance during the first 15 minutes.

Basadien came closest during that opening spell, forcing goalkeeper Mbanjwa into an excellent save.

Sundowns have conceded regularly during the current campaign, but their defence was strengthened by the return of Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane, who made his first start of the season alongside Grant Kekana.

Golden Arrows, known as Abafana Besthende, were forced to respond after falling behind and began to show more attacking intent as the half progressed. Sede Dion offered a reminder of their threat with flashes in front of goal during the latter stages of the opening period.

However, Sundowns continued to look for a second goal before the interval and remained the more dangerous side.

Half-time

Golden Arrows 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns Aggregate: 1-1

Match details

Competition: MTN8 Date: 30 August 2026 Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium

Golden Arrows line-up

27. Mbanjwa, 26. Angnikoi, 3. Shezi, 24. Dlamini, 35. Mantshiyane, 29. Sithole, 20. Maluleke, 20. Maxwele, 49. Gasa, 41. Zwane, 18. Dion.

Substitutes: 31. Ngcobo, 47. Madonsela, 51. Mafuleka, 43. Radzhadzhi, 36. P. Khumalo, 14. Van Rooi, 17. T. Khumalo, 28. Van Neel, 46. Msomi.

Mamelodi Sundowns line-up

30. Williams, 20. Kekana, 3. Ndamane, 27. Morena, 23. Basadien, 11. Allende, 4. Mokoena, 17. Matthews, 38. Ndlovu, 33. Mailula, 12. Leon.

Substitutes: 31. Goss, 29. Van Wyk, 28. Mdunyelwa, 6. Modiba, 21. Mkhulise, 18. Zwane, 42. Khoza, 46. B. Mokoena, 13. Rayners.