Sundowns Reach MTN8 Final After Dramatic Comeback Against Golden Arrows
Mamelodi Sundowns have fought their way into the MTN8 final after overturning a first-leg deficit to defeat Golden Arrows 3–2 in a thrilling second-leg encounter at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
The result leaves the two sides level at 3–3 on aggregate, following Golden Arrows’ 1–0 victory in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium last weekend.
Sundowns started the return leg with the pressure of having to overturn the narrow deficit, and they responded by finding the breakthrough before halftime.
Cassius Mailula put Masandawana ahead in the 30th minute, giving Sundowns a crucial advantage in the second leg.
Golden Arrows, however, refused to surrender their lead in the tie and fought back after the break. Sede Junior Dion scored in the 68th minute, restoring Arrows’ advantage on the night and putting the hosts back in control of the tie.
Sundowns responded strongly and regained the lead through Marcelo Allende in the 76th minute, keeping their hopes of reaching the final alive.
The visitors then pushed for another goal as the match entered its decisive stages, eventually completing the comeback to win the second leg 3–2.
The result levelled the semifinal at 3–3 on aggregate, after Dion had scored the only goal in the opening leg in Tshwane in the 38th minute.
With the aggregate score tied, Sundowns advanced to the MTN8 final under the competition’s progression rules.
They will now face Orlando Pirates, who secured their place in the final after beating Sekhukhune United 3–0 in the second leg on Saturday, completing a 4–0 aggregate victory.
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