Sundowns trail Golden Arrows at half-time in MTN8 semi-final

Mamelodi Sundowns are 1-0 down to Golden Arrows at half-time in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to his starting XI after Wednesday’s victory over Marumo Gallants, including the return of goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. Goss was making his first appearance for Mamelodi Sundowns since the 2021-22 campaign.

Lebogang Mothiba and Siyanda Ndlovu were also brought into the starting line-up, as Cardoso reshaped his side for the semi-final tie.

Golden Arrows began the match with a cautious approach, sitting deep in their own half and allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to control possession. Their strategy was similar to the one used by Sekhukhune United against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, with Arrows showing respect to their opponents and looking to threaten on the counter-attack.

Mamelodi Sundowns had been the more progressive side for much of the opening period as they searched for the first goal. Benett Mokoena and Siyanda Ndlovu provided width and attempted to create openings from wide areas, while Aubrey Modiba offered a consistent attacking outlet on the left.

However, Golden Arrows’ defensive plan proved effective and they took the lead in the 37th minute.

Last season’s Golden Boot winner, Sede Dion, collected a superb pass from Khulekani Shezi before finishing through the legs of Goss. It was Dion’s first goal of the 2026-27 campaign and gave Golden Arrows the advantage at the interval.

The result remains finely poised, with Mamelodi Sundowns needing to find a way through an organised Golden Arrows defence after the break. Arrows, meanwhile, have taken the lead their disciplined first-half performance secured and can continue to rely on the counter-attack.

The match is being played on 23 August 2026 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Mamelodi Sundowns started with Ricardo Goss in goal, behind a defence of Khuliso Mudau? Nousing the listed names and numbers only: 37. Johannes, 42. Khoza and 28. Mdunyelwa. A midfield featuring 15. Aubaas, 11. Allende, 6. Modiba and 46. B. Mokoena supported 38. Ndlovu, 33. Mailula and 35. Mothiba.

Their substitutes were 1. Onyango, 40. Mvala, 23. Basadien, 27. Morena, 21. Mkhulise, 18. Zwane, 17. Matthews, 10. Santos and 12. Leon.

Golden Arrows selected 34. Maova, 3. Shezi, 26. Agnikoi, 38. Mabaso, 20. Maluleke, 49. Gasa, 41. Zwane, 24. Dlamini, 25. Maxwele, 29. Sithole and 18. Dion.

Golden Arrows’ replacements were 27. Mbanjwa, 44. Mbatha, 35. Mantshiyane, 47. Madonsela, 22. Karelse, 17. Khumalo, 14. Van Rooi, 23. Ousmane and 36. Khumalo.