Can Mamelodi Sundowns overcome giant slayers Golden Arrows in the MTN8 semi-finals?

Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to take control of their MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows when the two sides meet in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday at 3pm. 

The Brazilians enter the tie with momentum after beating Marumo Gallants in midweek, while Arrows arrive with plenty of confidence after eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals. 

For Sundowns, however, this competition represents unfinished business.

The Brazilians have enjoyed sustained dominance in the league and won their second CAF Champions League title last season, but the MTN8 has largely eluded them. They have won the competition only once since its rebranding in 2008, in 2021. 

Miguel Cardoso has therefore challenged his players to approach the competition differently this season.

The Portuguese coach has also warned against underestimating an Arrows side that has already demonstrated its ability to navigate knockout football.

“We have great respect for the opponent,” Cardoso said ahead of the clash, while stressing that Sundowns’ objective is to win the first leg and put themselves in a strong position for the return. 

That will not be straightforward.

Pitso Dladla has made an immediate impact since taking over at Arrows at the start of the season, following Manqoba Mngqithi’s departure.

His side showed their defensive resilience against Chiefs, grinding out a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium to reach the last four.

Arrows have also begun their league campaign with three successive 0-0 draws, underlining just how difficult they have been to break down. 

That could make the first leg a fascinating tactical battle.

Sundowns are expected to dominate possession and attempt to stretch an Arrows defence that has conceded very little, while Dladla’s side will likely look to remain compact and exploit opportunities in transition.

The Brazilians will also have to deal with the absence of Khuliso Mudau, who suffered a serious Achilles injury against Gallants and is expected to miss at least six months. 

Yet Sundowns still possess considerable attacking quality, with Cassius Mailula among the players enjoying a strong start to the campaign after scoring against Gallants.

For Arrows, the objective will be simple: remain in the tie.

For Sundowns, anything less than a first-leg advantage could make the trip to Durban considerably more complicated.

And with a place in the MTN8 final at stake, Cardoso will be hoping his team can finally turn their continental and league dominance into success in a competition that has repeatedly frustrated them.

@SmisoMsomi

IOL Sport