Mamelodi Sundowns out to end MTN8 drought ahead of semi-final clash against Arrows

The two sides head into the clash without having lost a match in the 2026/27 campaign, with Sundowns winning three of their four matches in all competitions while Arrows have only won a single fixture after four matches played.

Furthermore, Abafana Bes'thende have played to three goalless draws in their Betway Premership matches with their only goal coming in the MTN8 quarter-final clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

Masandawana on the other hand have scored in all their matches and will be favourites to become the first side to score against the disciplined Arrows defence this season under new coach Pitso Dladla.

"Golden Arrows is a team with quality," admitted Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso at the pre-match conference.

"We will try our best to achieve a positive result, without suffering goals, it's the care we need to have, we're not a team that waits for what the game gives.

"We will try to control the capacity Arrows have with counter attacks as we saw against Kaizer Chiefs, with a medium to low block they had no issues to aggress, we will go for a result that will allow us to have more comfort in the second match."

The Tshwane giants will be without key right-back Khuliso Mudau who is set to be out of action for six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

Arrows are winless in the top eight tournament against Sundowns, losing twice and drawing once in their only previous first leg semi-final encounter against the African champions.

Kick-off is at 15h00 on Sunday.