Golden Arrows exit MTN8 after away-goal rule confusion against Mamelodi Sundowns

Golden Arrows were eliminated from the MTN8 after Mamelodi Sundowns overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit, with confusion over the competition’s away-goal rule emerging as a significant factor in the South African side’s cup exit.

Abafana Bes’thende took their narrow advantage into the return fixture, but their defence was breached three times by The Brazilians. Sundowns’ victory changed the balance of the tie and left Golden Arrows facing the consequences of the aggregate score and the competition’s away-goal system.

It later became clear that some Golden Arrows players had not understood that the tie could turn in Sundowns’ favour if the visitors scored additional goals. The uncertainty was particularly evident after Arrows had made it 3-2 on the night, a scoreline which left players unclear about the overall position in the contest.

Golden Arrows coach Dladla appeared visibly uncomfortable when addressing the issue after the match. However, he defended his players and said the result should provide an opportunity for the team to learn as it moves forward.

“What can you do? The aggregate scoreline and away goals are one of the rules of the tournament. One feels sorry for the players especially after a great performance against the African Champions. We can only learn and grow from here.”

Dladla also rejected the suggestion that his players had simply ignored the rules or deliberately eased off after taking their second goal of the match. Instead, he explained that the problem involved uncertainty among a small number of players over the actual aggregate score.

“They knew the rules, but the confusion was with one or two players about the actual scoreline. They tried to keep on going but it wasn’t enough.”

The coach maintained that Golden Arrows’ overall performance and commitment deserved credit, despite the result ending their MTN8 campaign.

Arrows had started the second leg with the advantage after winning the opening match 1-0. Sundowns’ three goals in the return fixture ultimately overturned that lead, with the away-goal rule determining the outcome when the aggregate scoreline was taken into account.

The defeat means Golden Arrows will now turn their attention to the Betway Premiership. Dladla said the team would take lessons from the disappointment, particularly the need for every player to remain clear about the competition rules and the scoreline during a two-legged cup tie.

For Golden Arrows, the result represented a painful end to a campaign in which they had produced what Dladla described as a strong showing against the African Champions. Yet the coach also stressed that the players’ effort and application should not be overlooked as they prepare for their next challenge in the Betway Premiership.