Junior Dion's first-half strike proved decisive as Arrows secured a precious win.
Junior Dion of Golden Arrows celebrates goal with teammates during the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria on Sunday. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePixx
Golden Arrows pulled off a major upset after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Junior Dion’s first-half strike proved decisive as Arrows secured a precious win and the away goals advantage heading into next weekend’s second leg.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit produced a disciplined display, combining their threat on the counter-attack with a resilient defensive performance to frustrate the African champions.
Sundowns struggled to find their usual rhythm as Miguel Cardoso’s rotation policy continued. Cardoso made six changes to the side that defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 in the Betway Premiership last Wednesday.
Notably, Ricardo Goss was handed his first start of the season in place of Ronwen Williams, who was not included in the match-day squad. Siyanda Ndlovu was also given an opportunity against his former club, while Tashreeq Matthews started on the bench.
The changes appeared to disrupt Sundowns’ fluency as they struggled to impose themselves during a first half played at a slow tempo in the Tshwane heat.
Despite their struggles, the visitors had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 10th minute. Lebo Mothiba found himself one-on-one with Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova, but the shot-stopper stood tall to deny the Sundowns striker. Maova was injured in the process and was subsequently replaced by Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Arrows grew into the contest and came close to taking the lead when Sabelo Sithole burst through the middle before finding Nhlanhla Gasa, who could not keep his effort on target.
The hosts were eventually rewarded for their efforts eight minutes before half-time. Dion timed his run perfectly to latch on to a clever through ball from Khulekani Shezi before calmly placing his finish between the legs of the onrushing Goss.
Sundowns pushed for a response after the break but were repeatedly frustrated by an organised Arrows defence. Gasa nearly doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute when he cut inside from the left and curled an effort narrowly wide, with Goss beaten.
Sundowns came closest to an equaliser in the 70th minute when Kegan Johannes met a cross inside the box, only for Mbanjwa to produce an excellent one-handed save.
Cardoso introduced Brayan Leon, Matthews, Sphelele Mkhulise, Nuno Santos and Thapelo Morena as he searched for a way back into the contest, but the changes failed to produce the desired response.
Arrows held on for a famous victory and will take a slender lead into the second leg, while Sundowns now face a fight to keep their MTN8 title hopes alive.
