Mamelodi Sundowns edge Golden Arrows to reach MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns have booked their place in the MTN8 final after beating Golden Arrows 3-2 in the second leg of their semi-final to advance on the away-goals rule.

Sundowns overturned a first-leg defeat to set up a final against defending champions Orlando Pirates, with the tie producing a dramatic finish.

The four-time MTN8 winners started strongly and came close to opening the scoring when Fawaaz Basadien unleashed a powerful effort from distance, but Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa was equal to it.

Sundowns continued to press and were rewarded just before the half-hour mark.

A slick one-touch passing move opened up the Arrows defence, allowing Cassius Mailula to fire into the far corner and put Sundowns ahead on the night, levelling the aggregate score at 1-1.

Golden Arrows responded before the break, with Sede Dion heading over from a corner as they searched for an equaliser.

Sundowns then came close to taking control of the tie when Brayan Leon’s effort was cleared off the line by Khulekani Shezi.

The visitors continued their pressure after the interval and thought they had taken the lead when Khulumani Ndamane turned home from Basadien’s cross.

However, the goal was ruled out for handball, despite replays appearing to show that the ball had not struck Ndamane’s hand.

Arrows grew into the contest during the final 20 minutes and eventually found their equaliser.

Ronaldo Van Neel produced a quick turn on the left before cutting the ball back for Dion, who calmly side-footed into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso responded by introducing Antonio Van Wyk and Tashreeq Matthews in the closing stages, replacing Mailula and Tashreeq Matthews.

The changes had an immediate impact.

Van Wyk cut inside before finding Marcelo Allende, who fired into the far corner from a tight angle to restore Sundowns’ lead and put them ahead on aggregate.

Van Wyk then struck again five minutes from time, racing into the box before drilling his effort into the bottom corner to give Sundowns a crucial third away goal.

Golden Arrows refused to surrender and pulled another goal back in stoppage time when Thokozani Khumalo found the far corner after an overlapping run into the area.

But there was to be no late comeback.

Sundowns held on to complete a thrilling 3-2 victory on the night and advance to the MTN8 final on the away-goals rule, where they will meet rivals Orlando Pirates.