Pirates reach fifth straight MTN8 final as Sundowns edge Arrows on away goals

Orlando Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final after both sides came through dramatic semi-final second legs at the weekend.

Defending champions Pirates produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Amstel Arena Stadium on Saturday afternoon to complete a 4-0 aggregate success. The result secured a place in a fifth successive MTN8 final for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, who will now attempt to claim the trophy for a fifth consecutive time.

Yanela Mbuthuma was unable to end his personal scoring drought, but the Pirates striker played a decisive role by supplying two assists. He created the opening goal for Thapelo Mokobodi, who scored his first goal for his new club, before setting up Ghampani Lungu.

Lungu has continued his strong run in front of goal since joining Pirates from Siwelele FC at the beginning of the season. The Buccaneers completed the scoring through utility player Kamogelo Sebelebele, who finished off a flowing team move.

Pirates worked the ball through a series of precise passes, leaving Sekhukhune United unable to regain possession before the attack ended with the ball in the back of the net.

Sundowns had to overturn a first-leg defeat against Golden Arrows in the other semi-final. The Chloorkop-based club had lost at Lucas Moripe Stadium, but coach Miguel Cardoso’s players showed their intent from the start of the return match at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Cassius Mailula put Mamelodi Sundowns ahead in the 30th minute after combining effectively with Marcelo Allende inside the Arrows penalty area.

Golden Arrows levelled through Sede Dion Junior in the 68th minute. The forward converted a cross from Ronaldo van Neel to score his third goal in as many matches against Sundowns, continuing his notable record against the Tshwane-based side.

The equaliser restored the advantage for coach Pitso Dladla’s team on aggregate, but Sundowns responded decisively. Allende punished a defensive failure when Arrows failed to clear a loose ball, firing the Brazilians back in front in the 76th minute.

Substitute Antonio Van Wyk, who had been involved in the build-up to Allende’s goal, then doubled Sundowns’ lead. His effort in the 84th minute took a wicked bounce and beat Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa before finding the net.

Arrows continued to fight and pulled a goal back in the 90th minute after dispossessing Sundowns in their own half. Philani Khumalo finished the move, but the late strike was not enough to change the outcome.

Sundowns won 3-2 on the night, leaving the aggregate score at 3-3. They progressed to the final on the away-goal rule and will meet Pirates for the MTN8 title.

Those two semi-final second legs were the only fixtures played over the weekend, putting the focus firmly on the competition’s final pairing.

With the finalists now confirmed, supporters can select their own Team of the Week from the performances across both matches and compare their choices with the official Soccer Laduma selection.