Golden Arrows caused an upset in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals after claiming a 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result gives Pitso Dladla’s men a crucial advantage heading into the decisive second leg, which is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August, at King Zwelithini Stadium. The kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
Here are the talking points from the clash between the African champions and Abafana Bes’thende.
1. RICARDO GOSS GETS FIRST START UPON SUNDOWNS RETURN
Ricardo Goss was handed his first start in goal for Bafana Ba Style since returning from his loan spell at Siwelele FC. Goss is in competition for the number one spot alongside Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso noted that Goss’ return is meant to push Williams and provide necessary squad rotation given the club’s busy match schedule.
2. THAPELO MORENA RETURNS TO MATCHDAY SQUAD
Sundowns welcomed back versatile star Thapelo Morena, who was named on the bench for the first time since sustaining an injury in May 2026.
The injury ruled him out of the CAF Champions League final and subsequently cost him a place in Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morena was introduced in the 62nd minute, replacing Siyanda Ndlovu, who was featuring against his former side, Arrows.
3. GOLDEN ARROWS SUFFER EDWARD MAOVA’S INJURY BLOW
The visitors suffered an early setback just 18 minutes into the encounter when starting goalkeeper Edward Maova sustained a knee injury and was forced off.
He was replaced by former Siwelele FC shot-stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
4. HIGH PRESS PAYS OFF FOR GOLDEN ARROWS
Rather than sitting deep against the star-studded Sundowns side, Golden Arrows opted for an aggressive high press to deny the hosts time and space on the ball.
Meanwhile, Sundowns produced moments of threat through their experienced squad. However, their efforts were insufficient to breach the Arrows set-up and find the equaliser.
5. JUNIOR DION PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF
Junior Dion continued his scoring form by netting his first goal of the 2026/27 campaign in the 38th minute.
Dion won the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot last season with 14 goals. He is only the second player in Arrows history to win the award. The first to claim the accolade was the late Richard Henyekane in 2008/09.
The two sides will lock horns once again next weekend to settle who secures a place in the MTN8 final.
RELATED STORY: Ramagalela details how Golden Arrows can punish Sundowns without Mudau and Mokoena
