Sundowns edge ahead of Golden Arrows at half-time in Betway Premiership

Mamelodi Sundowns lead Golden Arrows 1-0 at half-time in their Betway Premiership meeting at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Siyanda Ndlovu scored after 13 minutes to give the visitors the advantage, marking his first goal for Mamelodi Sundowns against his former club. The midfielder was played in by Tashreeq Matthews, who helped Sundowns make a fast start.

The fixture comes only a week after the sides met at the same venue in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals. Both managers selected exactly the same starting line-ups for this league match, despite Sundowns having played in midweek.

Miguel Cardoso’s side defeated Milford on Wednesday before returning to league action, but they showed no signs of a slow start as they immediately looked to build on their early lead.

The opening half was played with a similar energy to the two MTN8 semi-final matches, both of which had been lively contests. Sundowns controlled much of the attacking momentum after taking the lead and continued to search for a second goal.

Matthews came close to adding his name to the scoresheet when he moved on to the end of a cross from Brayan Leon. However, the winger could not direct his attempt on target.

Golden Arrows found it difficult to reproduce the intensity they had shown in the cup meetings. The home side created limited danger for much of the half, with the Sundowns defence successfully restricting striker Sede Dion’s involvement.

Dion did eventually threaten in the closing stages of the first half after meeting a cross from Nhlanhla Gasa. His header was on target, but Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made the save to preserve his side’s lead.

Golden Arrows started with Mbanjwa in goal, behind Shezi, Agnikoi, Manstshiyane and Maluleke. Dlamini, Zwane and Maxwele formed part of the midfield, with Van Neel, Gasa and Dion selected in attack.

Their substitutes were Msibi, Madonsela, Mafuleka, Radzhadzhi, P. Khumalo, van Rooi, T. Khuamlo and Sithole.

Mamelodi Sundowns named Williams as goalkeeper, with Morena, Kekana, Ndamane and Basadien in defence. Mokoena and Allende were selected in midfield, while Ndlovu, Matthews, Leon and Mailula made up the attacking unit.

Sundowns’ substitutes were Goss, Mdunyelwa, Khoza, Modiba, Mkhulise, Zwane, B. Mokoena, Van Wyk and Rayners.

Betway Premiership Half-time: Golden Arrows 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns Date: 6 September 2026 Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium