Mamelodi Sundowns edge Golden Arrows to set up MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns reached the MTN8 final after beating Golden Arrows 3-2 in the second leg of their semi-final on Sunday, setting up the eagerly anticipated meeting with Orlando Pirates. The date and venue for the final have yet to be confirmed by the league.

The result left the semi-final level at 3-3 on aggregate, but Sundowns advanced on the away-goals rule after scoring three away goals to Golden Arrows’ one in last week’s first leg. Orlando Pirates secured their place in the final by defeating Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate.

Sundowns controlled much of the second leg and their greater quality ultimately proved decisive. Cassius Mailula, Marcelo Allende and substitute Antonio Van Wyk scored for the visitors, while Junior Dion and Philani Khumalo replied for Golden Arrows.

Miguel Cardoso named a strong Sundowns side, with Mailula and Brayan Leon selected to lead the attack. Siyanda Ndlovu, Allende and Tashreeq Matthews were also included as part of an attacking line-up designed to overturn the pressure of the tie.

Golden Arrows, known as Abafana Bes’thende, had not conceded a goal in their previous six matches in all competitions before Sunday’s encounter. Coach Dladla made four changes to the side that had won 1-0 in Pretoria.

Thakasani Mbanjwa replaced Eduard Maova in goal, while Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso came in for Nqobeko Dlamini. Ronaldo van Neel also started instead of Sabelo Sithole.

The hosts adopted a cautious approach from the outset, sitting deep and allowing Sundowns to dominate possession while looking for opportunities to counterattack.

Sundowns were patient but created few clear openings in the early stages. The breakthrough eventually came through a well-worked move between Ndlovu and Allende, who combined to release Mailula. The forward finished calmly at the half-hour mark to score the first goal Golden Arrows had conceded this season.

Sundowns continued to press after the interval and believed they had doubled their advantage when Khulumani Ndamane found the net. However, the goal was disallowed after officials ruled that he had handled the ball.

Golden Arrows drew level in the 70th minute. Van Neel delivered a cross into the area and Junior Dion reacted quickest to score with a tap-in.

That equaliser briefly shifted the momentum, but Sundowns responded swiftly. Allende restored their lead before Van Wyk added a third deep into the second half, putting the visitors in a commanding position.

Golden Arrows continued to push and reduced the deficit again in injury time when Philani Khumalo scored. The home side celebrated, believing the goal had taken them through to the final, but Dladla immediately instructed his players to restart the match.

Sundowns were still ahead on the away-goals rule, and the late goal was not enough to change the outcome. Their progress means the MTN8 final will feature the meeting many supporters had hoped to see, with the two leading sides now set to contest the trophy.