By Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have booked their spots in a highly anticipated 2026 MTN8 final, dispatching their respective semi-final opposition in contrasting styles over a dramatic weekend of South African cup action.
While the Buccaneers effortlessly cruised past Sekhukhune United on home turf to keep their dream of a fifth successive MTN8 crown alive, Sundowns were forced to dig deep in Umlazi, edging Lamontville Golden Arrows on the away-goals rule after a frantic five-goal affair.
Sundowns Survive Five-Goal Umlazi Epic
At a packed King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Mamelodi Sundowns clawed their way into the final after a pulse-pounding 3-2 victory over a determined Lamontville Golden Arrows. The result tied the aggregate score at 3-3, sending Masandawana through via the away-goals rule.
Miguel Cardoso’s men dictated tempo from the opening whistle with their trademark possession-based style, while Abafana Bes’thende structured themselves low, relying on rapid transitions. Sundowns’ engine room took an early tactical blow in the 17th minute when central midfielder Teboho Mokoena picked up a yellow card for cynically thwarting a dangerous break by Nhlanhla Zwane.
Despite the early caution, the reigning African champions broke the deadlock in the 31st minute through a sublime team combination. Chilean playmaker Marcelo Allende orchestrated a swift one-touch interchange inside the penalty area, slipping in Cassius Mailula, who calmly slotted home his fourth goal of the campaign to send the visitors into the break 1-0 up.
Pitso Dladla’s Arrows emerged from the tunnel re-energized and levelled matters in the 68th minute. In-form Ivorian forward Sede Junior Dion capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Ronaldo van Neel, sweeping the ball home to register his third goal in as many matches.
With the tie hanging in the balance, Cardoso introduced new signing Antonio van Wyk off the bench—a move that turned the tide. In the 77th minute, Van Wyk’s blocked cross fell into the path of Allende, who capped off a Man-of-the-Match performance by driving his effort past Mbanjwa. Van Wyk then turned goalscorer in the 85th minute, finishing off a sharp move to double the lead.
A late stoppage-time strike from Philani Khumalo offered Arrows a flicker of hope, but the referee’s whistle sounded shortly after, ending Abafana Bes’thende’s cup run.
Sundowns now turn their focus to a Betway Premiership clash against Milford FC on September 2, before Arrows get an immediate shot at revenge when they host the Chloorkop outfit in league play on September 6.
Match Summary: Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns
- Score: Golden Arrows 2–3 Mamelodi Sundowns (Agg: 3–3, Sundowns win on away goals)
- Golden Arrows Scorers: Sede Junior Dion (69′), Philani Khumalo (90+1′)
- Mamelodi Sundowns Scorers: Cassius Mailula (31′), Marcelo Allende (77′), Antonio van Wyk (85′)
- Golden Arrows Lineup: Mbanjwa, Agnikoi, Dlamini (Sithole 88′), Manthiyane, Van Neel (Radzhadzhi 76′), Shezi, Maluleke, Maxwele, Dion, Gasa (P. Khumalo 88′), Zwane
- Mamelodi Sundowns Lineup: Williams, Grant Kekana, Ndamane (Khoza 64′), Morena (Mdunyelwa 83′), Basadien, Allende, T. Mokoena, Ndlovu, Matthews (Van Wyk 74′), Mailula (B. Mokoena 74′), Leon (Rayners 82′)
Dominant Pirates Cruise Past Sekhukhune
On Saturday, Orlando Pirates put on a tactical clinic at Orlando Stadium, dismantling Sekhukhune United 3-0 to secure a commanding 4-0 aggregate triumph.
Carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Polokwane, the Soweto giants wasted little time imposing themselves. Sekhukhune survived an early scare when left-back D’Angelo Kazeem—already booked—escaped a second yellow card for pulling down Ghampani Lungu. To mitigate the risk of a red card, Sekhukhune pulled Kazeem off in the 36th minute.
Babina Noko goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata kept his side afloat in the 28th minute with a reflex save from a Thapelo Mokobodi header, but Mokobodi was not to be denied nine minutes later. Arriving late into the box, the midfielder turned home Yanela Mbuthuma’s delivery from the left flank to extend the aggregate lead.
Two minutes later, the Buccaneers put the tie out of reach with a counter-attack sparked by a Sekhukhune corner. Driving forward through Oswin Appollis, the ball was worked to Mbuthuma, who unselfishly set up Ghampani Lungu to smash a strike into the back of the net.
Sekhukhune mounted a brief second-half revival, forcing Sipho Chaine into sharp saves against Siyabonga Ndlozi and Mpho Rammala, while Sbangani Zulu made a crucial block to deny Bright Ndlovu.
However, Pirates regained full control in the closing stages. Deep into stoppage time, a team move ended with Kamogelo Sebelebele applying a clean finish to put the icing on the cake.
Match Summary: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United
- Score: Orlando Pirates 3–0 Sekhukhune United (Agg: 4–0)
- Orlando Pirates Scorers: Thapelo Mokobodi (37′), Ghampani Lungu (39′), Kamogelo Sebelebele (90+4′)
- Orlando Pirates Lineup: Chaine, Sebelebele, Seema (Chabatsane 62’), Zulu, Ndaba, Mthiyane, Mokobodi, Lungu (Padime 84’), Selepe (Masilela 75’), Appollis (Moremi 74’), Mbuthuma (Radiopane 62’)
- Sekhukhune United Lineup: Nsabata, Ndlozi, Matsimbi, Cardoso, Kazeem (Mokoena 36’), Khupe (Khiba 64’), Mkhize, Mojela (Phiri 64’), Muzeu (Mahlangu 72’), Rammala, Ndlovu
Final Showdown Awaits
The stage is now set for a heavyweight clash as Orlando Pirates defend their title against Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2026 MTN8 final on Saturday, October 10.
