Mamelodi Sundowns beat Golden Arrows 3-2 to book MTN8 final spot

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their spot in the MTN8 final after triumphing over Golden Arrows 3-2 in Durban. The South African giants will now clash with the defending champions in the final on October 10th. The Brazilians advanced after scoring three away goals, despite the semi-final match ending 3-3 on aggregate. The thrilling encounter took place at the sold-out King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban.

Mamelodi Sundowns aimed to overturn their 1-0 defeat from the first leg against Golden Arrows in Pretoria last weekend. However, Sundowns have a poor record in this competition, having won it only once in the last five seasons. Ronwen Williams, Bafana Bafana captain, returned to the goalpost for the second leg, replacing Ricardo Goss.

Coach Miguel Cardoso started with a strong lineup, making eight changes from the team that lost to Arrows. Golden Arrows entered the match with an outstanding record of not conceding a goal in their first six competitive games this season. The visitors created more scoring opportunities during the first 25 minutes. Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Cassius Mailula's goal, which followed excellent team play.

Khulekani Shezi restored stability to Sundowns after clearing a goal-bound shot on the last whistle of the half.

Shortly before halftime, a controversial disallowed goal for Khulumani Ndamane was later confirmed as legitimate by TV replays. In the second half, Ivorian Junior Dion equalized for Arrows in the 69th minute. Chilean Marcello Allende restored Sundowns' lead 13 minutes from time. Substitute Antonio van Wyk sealed the victory with the third goal in the 83rd minute. However, Arrows substitute Philani Khumalo equalized in injury time, but it was ultimately too late for them.