Golden Arrows name unchanged XI for MTN8 semi-final against Sundowns

Golden Arrows will attempt to protect a one-goal advantage when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

Sundowns must overturn the narrow deficit to reach the final, where defending champions Orlando Pirates await. The Brazilians were beaten by the smallest possible margin in last weekend’s first leg, leaving them with no room for error in the return fixture.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with both sides having confirmed their starting line-ups.

Golden Arrows have made an unbeaten start to the season and have also proved difficult to break down defensively. Neither Kaizer Chiefs nor Sundowns managed to find a way past Abafana Besthende in recent meetings, underlining the challenge facing the visitors.

The hosts will also take confidence from their recent results, although Sundowns arrive with momentum of their own. Mamelodi Sundowns responded to their first-leg defeat by recording a convincing 5-2 victory over AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership.

That result came after Golden Arrows had opened their Premiership campaign with three successive draws. The visitors finally claimed maximum points in midweek, beating Stellenbosch FC 1-0 after Sede Dion scored the decisive goal.

Sundowns will be wary of their recent record against Golden Arrows. In the corresponding league fixture last season, Masandawana were defeated by a single strike from Dion.

The winner of the semi-final will face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.

Confirmed line-ups

Golden Arrows: Mbanjwa, Angnikoi, Shezi, Dlamini, Mantshiyane, Sithole, Maluleke, Maxwele, Dion, Gasa, Zwane

Substitutes: Ngcobo, Madonsela, Mafuleka, Radzhadzhi, P. Khumalo, Van Rooi, T. Khumalo, Van Neel, Msomi

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Ndamane, Morena, Basadien, Allende, Mokoena, Matthews, Ndlovu, Mailula, Leon

Substitutes: Goss, Van Wyk, Mdunyelwa, Modiba, Mkhulise, Zwane, Khoza, B. Mokoena, Rayners