Dion v Leon as Arrows dare Sundowns In MTN8 showdown

Golden Arrows will be determined to protect their advantage when they host Mamelodi Sundowns for Sunday’s MTN8 semifinal second leg at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.

The match kicks off at 3:00 pm CAT.

Abafana Bes’thende claimed a vital 1-0 away win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal on Sunday; Junior Dion scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute, stunning the African champions on their own turf.

Furthermore, Arrows remain unbeaten this season and followed that result with a 1-0 home victory over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday, again with a goal from Junior Dion.

A draw or a one-goal defeat would be enough for the KwaZulu-Natal side to reach the final on away goals, as they won the MTN8 in 2009.

Golden Arrows in their last three matches against Mamelodi Sundowns in all competitions ⬇️ #SSDiski | #MTN8 | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/zf350CPxHa

Sundowns, meanwhile, bounced back from their first-leg setback with an emphatic 5-2 home win over AmaZulu on August 26, courtesy of a brace from Brayan León plus goals from Teboho Mokoena, Tashreeq Matthews and Bennet Mokoena.

Masandawana, four-time MTN8 winners, must win by two clear goals to overturn the deficit and keep their cup hopes alive after last season’s CAF Champions League triumph.

Golden Arrows have no major injury concerns, but Jonah Fabisch, the Zimbabwe international signed from Germany, has been working on his fitness.

The midfielder could be in contention as Pitso Dladla is expected to field a strong side for the important meeting with a star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns side.

Sundowns, on the other hand, are likely to be without the long-term injured trio of Khuliso Mudau (Achilles), Keanu Cupido and Arthur Sales.

Teboho Mokoena returned from injury and scored in midweek, while Antonio Van Wyk remains a doubt and there are no suspensions for either side.

Golden Arrows Head Coach Pitso Dladla

"Yeah, because of the players, the attitude of the players was very good, we were prepared to work together as a group during times where they should suffer, they suffer together." Dladla said.

"But look one can't really divulge we're playing Mamelodi Sundowns football club three weekends in a row. But credit goes to the players."

Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach Miguel Cardoso

“Let’s see if we’re strong enough to go to Arrows and get the result we need," Cardoso said.

"It will happen, but let’s see if we’re capable enough because it is a good test at the moment. How many goals have they suffered until now? It’s almost zero; they are doing well and they will test us.”

Sede Junior Dion, Golden Arrows: The Ivorian centre forward has scored in back-to-back matches, underlining his form and confidence and he will be looking to slay Mamelodi Sundowns once again.

Brayan León, Mamelodi Sundowns: The Colombian centre forward is also oozing with confidence after grabbing two goals against AmaZulu and he has what it takes to single-handedly eliminate Golden Arrows.

Head-to-Head (Since 2000/01)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2005/06 Coca-Cola, 1st rd Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, P. Ndlovu, Sapula

2005/06 Absa Cup, 1st rd Arrows 0-1 Sundowns Ngwenya

2007/08 Telkom KO, 1st rd Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, Sheppard

2012/13 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Sundowns 1-0 Arrows Laffor

2013/14 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-4 Sundowns Shange; Wome, Mokoena, Laffor, Tau

2016/17 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-0 Sundowns Sibiya

2018/19 MTN8, qfinal Sundowns 2-0 Arrows Vilakazi, Arendse

2019/20 Telkom KO, sfinal Arrows 1-2 Sundowns Sibiya; Kekana, Sirino

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 1st leg Arrows 1-1 Sundowns N. Dlamini; Safranko

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 2nd leg Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Shalulile, Lunga, Maema

2024/25 Carling KO, 1st rd Sundowns 5-0 Arrows Morena, Rayners, Mvala, Shalulile, Lethlaku

2026/27 MTN8 sfinal 1st leg Sundowns 0-1 Arrows Dion

Sundowns 12 9 1 2 26 5

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Arrows 0-1 Sundowns Sirino

2021/22 Sundowns 6-0 Arrows Sirino, Shalulile 3, Safranko, Erasmus

2022/23 Sundowns 2-1 Arrows Shalulile, Ndlovu (og); Mmodi

2022/23 Arrows 1-1 Sundowns Moon; Mbule

2023/24 Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Shalulile, Nku 2, Kekana

2023/24 Arrows 0-0 Sundowns

2024/25 Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Ribeiro (pen), Shalulile 2, Mokoena

2024/25 Arrows 1-1 Sundowns Phillips; Ribeiro (pen)

2025/26 Arrows 1-0 Sundowns Dion

2025/26 Sundowns 2-1 Arrows Mokoena, Rayners; Dion (pen)

Arrows 62 13 14 35 44 101

Sundowns 62 35 14 13 101 44