Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns booked their spot in the final of the MTN8 to end their 14-year MTN 8 title drought with a 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the second leg of their semi-final tie.
Sundowns made four changes, as they handed Divine Lunga his debut against his former side, while goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse and Pavol Safranko got their first starts of the season along with a re-call for Haashim Domingo.
Arrows held Sundowns 1-1 in the first leg at the start of the month in a feisty encounter in KwaZulu-Natal.
However, a goal each from Peter Shalulile, Divine Lunga and Neo Maema in the second leg ensured a final berth for Sundowns for the first time in five years on a 4-1 aggregate scoreline.
Shalulile opened the scoring in fourth minute with a tap-in at the second time of asking after shot-stopper Sifiso Mlungwana spilled a strike from Thabiso Kutumela.
But Arrows tried to respond soon after and had Velemseni Ndwandwe’s low drive saved by Reyaad Pieterse.
Lunga made it a dream debut against his former side as he grabbed the Brazilians’ second. Kutumela delivered a perfect free-kick from the left and the Zimbabwean left-back rose highest to head home.
Sundowns continued to threaten going forward in the closing phase of the first stanza, but Kutumela was unlucky not add a third goal on the stroke of half-time with a low diving header that came off the far post.
The Brazillians rested Themba Zwane at half-time, as he was replaced by Gaston Sirino while Lehlohonolo Seema made a double change with Sbonelo Cele and Simo Mbhele replaced Pule Mmodi and Ndwandwe.
The second half provided a much better attacking performance by Arrows that unfortunately led to no goals for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
The hosts then ended the match with no goalkeeper on the bench after Pieterse was forced off due to injury.
Sundowns has to wait 24 hours to find out who their final opponents will be as Swallows entertain Cape Town City in the other semi-final on Wednesday evening.