Mamelodi Sundowns set up MTN8 final showdown with Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the MTN8 final after edging Golden Arrows 3-2 in a dramatic semi-final second leg on Sunday, setting up the final everyone had hoped for against Orlando Pirates.

The league is yet to announce the date and venue for the final.

Sundowns progressed on the away-goals rule after the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate. Masandawana scored three times away from home in the second leg, having conceded one goal in last week’s first meeting. Orlando Pirates booked their place in the final by beating Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate.

The result means Sundowns and Pirates will contest a highly anticipated final, although the match details remain to be confirmed.

Sundowns controlled much of the second leg and their greater quality ultimately proved decisive. Cassius Mailula opened the scoring, before Marcelo Allende restored their advantage after Golden Arrows had levelled. Substitute Antonio Van Wyk then added a third goal deep in the second half.

Golden Arrows responded through Junior Dion and Philani Khumalo, but their late rally was not enough to overturn Sundowns’ advantage under the away-goals rule.

Coach Miguel Cardoso selected a strong Sundowns side for the decisive match, with Mailula and Brayan Leon leading the attack. They were supported by Siyanda Ndlovu, Allende and Tashreeq Matthews.

Golden Arrows, known as Abafana Bes’thende, had not conceded in their previous six matches in all competitions before Sunday’s game. They made four changes to the team that had defeated Sundowns 1-0 in Pretoria in the first leg.

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

Arrows adopted a cautious approach from the outset, sitting deep and allowing Sundowns to keep possession as they looked for opportunities to counterattack.

Sundowns were patient while attempting to break through the compact defensive shape and created relatively few openings in the early stages. The breakthrough eventually came after a clever move between Ndlovu and Allende released Mailula, who calmly finished just after the half-hour mark.

It was the first goal Golden Arrows had conceded this season.

Sundowns continued to press after the interval and briefly believed they had doubled their lead when Khulumani Ndamane found the net. The goal was ruled out, however, after officials judged that he had handled the ball.

Arrows’ persistence was rewarded in the 70th minute. Van Neel delivered a cross into the area and Junior Dion reacted quickest to score with a close-range tap-in.

Sundowns regained control when Allende put them back in front, before Van Wyk struck again late on to put the visitors 3-1 ahead on the night.

Golden Arrows refused to surrender and Khumalo scored in injury time, prompting celebrations among the home side because they believed the goal had taken them through.

Coach Dladla, however, instructed his players to restart the match after recognising that Sundowns still held the advantage on away goals. The final whistle confirmed Sundowns’ place in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.