Orlando Pirates face Sekhukhune United in MTN8 semi-final

Defending champions Orlando Pirates will meet Sekhukhune United in the 2026 MTN8 semi-finals, while Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn against Lamontville Golden Arrows.

The semi-final line-up was confirmed at FNB Stadium on Sunday night after a dramatic quarter-final stage that saw three ties decided in extra time and 15-time winners Kaizer Chiefs eliminated by Golden Arrows.

Orlando Pirates remain on course for a fifth consecutive MTN8 title after edging past 10-man Durban City 2-1 following extra time. The Buccaneers were forced to wait until the closing stages before Ghampani Lungu scored the decisive goal.

Their victory set up a meeting with Sekhukhune United, who secured their place in the last four by winning a seven-goal thriller against AmaZulu on Sunday.

AmaZulu, known as Usuthu, opened the scoring, but Sekhukhune United recovered as the match developed. The sides remained locked together through normal time before Vuyo Letlapa struck in extra time to send Babina Noko into the semi-finals.

Mamelodi Sundowns also needed extra time to overcome Polokwane City in an entertaining encounter at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

The match ended 3-2 to Masandawana, with Cassius Mailula scoring the decisive goal on his return to prominence and confirming Sundowns’ place in the last four.

Sundowns will face Golden Arrows, who produced the weekend’s biggest shock by defeating Kaizer Chiefs. Khulekani Shezi scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute as Golden Arrows secured a first-round elimination of the Johannesburg club.

The 2026 MTN8 semi-final draw is:

– Sekhukhune United v Orlando Pirates – Mamelodi Sundowns v Lamontville Golden Arrows

The results leave Orlando Pirates as the only defending side still pursuing the trophy, with their bid for a fifth successive MTN8 triumph now requiring them to overcome a Sekhukhune United team that has already survived a high-scoring contest under pressure.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, the semi-final will provide an opportunity to continue their run after their extra-time success against Polokwane City. Golden Arrows, meanwhile, will go into the tie with the confidence gained from removing Kaizer Chiefs from the competition.

The quarter-finals delivered a mixture of late goals, extra-time drama and a major upset, with the four remaining clubs now separated from the MTN8 final by two matches.

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