MTN8 Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed as Sundowns and Pirates Learn Their Next Opponents
The road to the MTN8 final has narrowed to four teams after a dramatic quarter-final weekend that produced late goals, extra-time tension and one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows have all secured their places in the semi-finals, setting up two intriguing two-legged encounters.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates will meet Sekhukhune United, while Sundowns will face surprise package Golden Arrows for a place in the final.
Pirates Face Sekhukhune United
Pirates booked their semi-final place after a tense 2-1 victory over Durban City after extra time.
The Buccaneers were forced to work for their place in the last four, but eventually found a way through in a match that went beyond the regulation 90 minutes.
Their reward is a meeting with Sekhukhune United, who reached the semi-finals after surviving one of the weekend’s most entertaining encounters.
Sekhukhune edged AmaZulu FC 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller, securing their place in the last four after a contest that kept the outcome in doubt until the final stages.
The two sides will now battle over two legs, with Pirates looking to continue their defence of the MTN8 crown.
Sundowns Set for Golden Arrows Test
In the other semi-final, Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Golden Arrows.
Sundowns advanced after defeating Polokwane City 3-2, keeping their hopes of adding another piece of silverware alive.
But their next opponents arrive with considerable momentum.
Golden Arrows produced the biggest upset of the quarter-finals when they stunned Kaizer Chiefs with a 1-0 victory at a sold-out FNB Stadium.
The result sent Arrows into the semi-finals and ended Chiefs’ hopes of lifting the MTN8 trophy.
For Abafana Bes’thende, the victory represents an opportunity to go even further in a competition where they have already exceeded expectations.
Sundowns Get Home Advantage in First Leg
Sundowns will have home advantage when they host Golden Arrows in the opening leg of their semi-final.
The other tie will begin with Pirates travelling to face Sekhukhune United.
The two-legged format means neither semi-final will be decided by a single result, setting the stage for another round of high-pressure football as the four remaining teams fight for a place in the MTN8 final.
The Premier Soccer League is expected to confirm the official dates, venues and kick-off times for both semi-final fixtures in the coming days.
With the defending champions still in contention, Sundowns aiming to advance and Golden Arrows carrying the momentum of their Chiefs upset, the final four has all the ingredients for another compelling chapter in the MTN8.
