By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
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 Moripe stadium.
The win gives Arrows an advantage heading into the decisive second leg, which is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August, at King Zwelithini Stadium.
The hosts should have claimed the lead in the 11th minute when Cassius Mailula set up Lebo Mothiba with a one-on-one chance, but Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova made a brave save at the forward’s feet.
Lebogang Mothiba soon missed another chance, heading wide from a left-wing cross, before Arrows had their first chance of the game midway through the first half, as Nhlanhla Gasa screwed a drive off target after good set-up play from Sabelo Sithole.
Abafana Bes’thende then claimed the lead against the run of play in the 38th minute, with a simple move unpicking Sundowns’ defence.
Right-back Khulekani Shezi played a superbly-weighted pass for Sede Junior Dion, who crisply finished with a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ricardo Goss for 1-0.
The hosts used four substitutions within the opening 10 minutes of the second half, throwing on Brayan Leon, Tashreeq Matthews, Sphelele Mkhulise and Nuno Santos in an effort to turn the match in their favour.
Sundowns then pushed for an equalizer and probed through more than four minutes of injury time, but nothing materialised.
Arrows 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.