MTN8: Lamontville Golden Arrows stun Kaizer Chiefs to end Fernando da Cruz’s trophy hopes

Lamontville Golden Arrows have knocked Kaizer Chiefs out of the MTN8 with a 1-0 quarter-final victory, dealing an early setback to Fernando da Cruz’s new reign at the club.

The result ends Chiefs’ hopes of making an immediate impact in the first domestic cup competition of the 2026-27 season. Amakhosi had been looking to build on their improved third-place finish in the league last campaign and add to the only trophy they have won in the past 11 years – the Nedbank Cup at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Instead, Arrows advanced to the semi-finals alongside Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United after holding out for victory in a match Chiefs largely controlled before the decisive moment.

Da Cruz, the 53-year-old Frenchman, had begun his tenure with encouraging signs last weekend when Chiefs beat promoted Kruger United 3-1 in their Betway Premiership opener. Their cup exit, however, represents a sharp reversal of that promising start and leaves the new coaching regime facing an early disappointment.

Chiefs created the clearer openings during a dominant first half but were unable to turn their pressure into a lead. Lebohang Maboe, Luke Baartman and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo all missed opportunities as the sides went into the interval level at 0-0.

The decisive goal came eight minutes after half-time and arrived in unexpected fashion. Arrows built an attack down the right, allowing Khulekani Shezi space to deliver a cross-cum-shot towards goal.

The ball appeared to catch Brandon Petersen off balance as it moved towards the goalkeeper’s near post. Petersen was wrong-footed and his attempted one-handed save failed to keep the effort out, leaving the home crowd stunned as Arrows took a 1-0 lead.

The goal was against the run of play, but it gave Arrows the advantage they needed. Chiefs responded by committing more players forward in search of an equaliser, yet they could not find a way through the Arrows defence.

Arrows remained organised during the closing stages and preserved their narrow lead to secure a place in the last four. For Chiefs, the defeat means their first opportunity to win silverware under Da Cruz has disappeared at the opening hurdle.

The other MTN8 quarter-final played on Sunday also produced a high-scoring contest. Sekhukhune United beat AmaZulu 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban to join Arrows, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals.