Sundowns Edge Arrows To Set Up Blockbuster MTN8 Final Against Orlando Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, advancing 3-3 on away goals rule to set up a blockbuster MTN8 final against rivals Orlando Pirates.
Goals from Cassius Mailula, Marcelo Allende, and Antonio van Wyk overturned Abafana Bes’thende’s first-leg lead in a pulsating semi-final encounter.
The result sets up the dream final supporters wanted—a direct rematch of the 2024/25 final between holders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. The two titans have dominated South African football over the past four seasons, with Pirates famously ending Sundowns’ eight-year Premiership stronghold last term.
This dream final will be played on 10 October.
How Did Mamelodi Sundowns Overturn the First-Leg Deficit?
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso named a powerhouse starting lineup after dropping the first leg 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Key figures Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Grant Kekana all returned to the side as the Brazilians sought to reach their third MTN8 final under the current sponsor.
Golden Arrows entered the contest on a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions dating back to April. Pitso Dladla’s side absorbed early pressure before Sundowns unlocked their defense in the 31st minute.
Marcelo Allende dictated play from deep, executing a swift give-and-go with Cassius Mailula before Mailula fired a crisp snapshot from close range to level the aggregate score at 1-1.
Sundowns almost doubled their lead right on half-time. Tashreeq Matthews floated a delicate cross to Brayan León, whose goal-bound header was dramatically cleared off the line by Arrows defender Khulekani Shezi.
Disallowed Goal Controversy & Second-Half Drama
Sundowns thought they had taken the aggregate lead in the 51st minute when Khulumane Ndamane headed home from close range. However, referee Luxolo Badi disallowed the goal for a handball—issuing Ndamane a yellow card for his protests despite television replays showing the decision was incorrect.
Arrows capitalized on a rare spell of possession in the 69th minute. Nhlanhla Zwane charged forward on the counter and found Renaldo Van Neel, who laid the ball off for Junior Dion to slot home a simple finish, restoring Arrows’ aggregate lead at 2-1.
However, Sundowns responded instantly. Antonio van Wyk danced into the box, and after his initial cross was half-cleared, Allende pounced on the loose ball to make it 2-1 on the day and 2-2 on aggregate.
Late Strikes Seal Sundowns’ Final Berth
With Sundowns holding the away-goals advantage, Van Wyk put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute. The winger cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a thunderous strike that bounced awkwardly past Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Golden Arrows managed a late consolation in the 91st minute when Philani Khumalo beat Ronwen Williams low to make it 3-2 on the day (3-3 on aggregate). However, Sundowns held firm through stoppage time to secure their place in the final on away goals.
Orlando Pirates await Sundowns in the showpiece event after dispatching Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate on Saturday. The Buccaneers will be chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
