Sundowns overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a commanding attacking display at King Zwelithini Stadium. They eventually ran out 2-3 winners on the day, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory.
CASSIUS MAILULA SPARKS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Mamelodi Sundowns entered the second leg knowing they had to score after suffering a narrow defeat in the opening encounter. They started on the front foot and were rewarded in the 31st minute.
Cassius Mailula combined brilliantly with Marcelo Allende inside the box. The forward then fired his effort into the far corner to give the visitors the breakthrough.
The goal levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate and gave Sundowns renewed belief heading into halftime. Lamontville Golden Arrows came out fighting after the break.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 68th minute when Sede Junior Dion found the back of the net.
The goal put Abafana Bes’thende 2-1 ahead on aggregate and suddenly left Sundowns facing elimination. But the Brazilians responded like champions.
GOLDEN ARROWS SENT PACKING
Marcelo Allende restored Mamelodi Sundowns’ advantage on the night in the 77th minute. The Chilean midfielder unleashed a powerful low strike that beat the Golden Arrows goalkeeper and levelled the aggregate score at 2-2.
The momentum had swung decisively towards Sundowns. They continued pushing forward and eventually found another breakthrough to move 3-1 ahead on the day.
Philani Khumalo struck for Arrows in injury time to make it 3-2, and 3-3 on aggregate.
It confirmed the Brazilians’ place in the MTN8 final, where they will face Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers had already secured their place after producing a dominant 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United.
That sets up a mouthwatering heavyweight clash between Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
With both giants now one game away from the first domestic silverware of the season, the MTN8 final promises to be a blockbuster encounter.