Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to Golden Arrows in the MTN 8 semifinals first leg in a game played on Sunday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane.
Coach Miguel Cardoso rang the changes following Wednesday’s win over Marumo Gallants, as goalkeeper Ricardo Goss made his first appearance for the club since the 2021/22 campaign while Lebogang Mothiba and Siyanda Ndlovu were drafted into starting line-up.
Arrows adopted a similar approach to the Sekhukhune United against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, showing Sundowns the respect and sitting deep in their own half while hoping to snatch something on the counter.
The Brazilians kept pushing for the opening goal, with the likes of Benett Mokoena and Siyanda Ndlovu looking to make things happen out wide, while Aubrey Modiba was a constant threat down the left flank as well.
The plan paid off for Arrows, who broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when last season’s Golden Boot winner Sede Dion latched onto Khulekani Shezi’s wonderful pass and fired through the legs of Goss for his first goal of the 2026/2027 campaign.
Sundowns were camped in the Arrows half for most of the second period but they had to wait until the 71st minute for a big opening at goal when Kegan Johannes lost his marker on a corner but ended up seeing his towering header brilliantly saved by Thakasani Mbanjwa.
The Brazilians, however, were constantly let down by their decision-making in the final third during the latter stages of the second period, which made it easier for the Arrows defence to deal with balls coming into the box.
Pitso Dladla’s charges were able to see out the closing stage to claim a vital away victory, with the return leg to set to take place in Durban next Sunday, although both clubs have league commitments during the week.
