Arrows stun Sundowns in MTN8 semifinal first leg

Golden Arrows have taken the advantage in their MTN8 semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Sede Junior Dion scored the only goal of the match in the first half as Abafana Bes’thende held on for an important away win.

Sundowns started brightly and had an early opportunity to take the lead when Cassius Mailula played Lebo Mothiba through on goal in the 11th minute. Edward Maova stood in the way, making a brave save at Mothiba’s feet.

The Arrows goalkeeper was unable to continue after the challenge and was replaced by Thakasani Mbanjwa in the 18th minute.

Mothiba had another chance before the break but headed wide from a cross, while Arrows came close through Nhlanhla Gasa, who sent his effort wide after being set up by Sabelo Sithole.

Despite seeing less of the attacking play, Arrows found the breakthrough in the 38th minute. Khulekani Shezi picked out Dion with a well-weighted pass, and the forward finished low through Ricardo Goss to put the visitors in front.

Sundowns pushed for a response before half-time, but Mbanjwa kept out Bennet Mokoena’s curling effort from distance in added time.

The home side made four changes early in the second half, bringing on Brayan Leon, Tashreeq Matthews, Sphelele Mkhulise and Nuno Santos as they searched for an equaliser.

Kegan Johannes came close in the 70th minute when he directed a header towards goal from a corner, but Mbanjwa produced another important save. The Sundowns defender had another opportunity late on, only to head over the crossbar.

Sundowns continued to press during more than four minutes of added time, but Arrows stood firm to secure the first-leg victory.

The two sides will return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday, 26 August. Sundowns host AmaZulu FC, while Arrows welcome Stellenbosch FC, before the semifinal resumes four days later.