By: Nosipho Cele
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows in a tightly contested Betway Premiership encounter at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
The match carried a familiar feel, with both sides starting with identical line-ups to those used in the MTN8 semi-final second leg seven days earlier.
Sundowns made the stronger start and took the lead in the 14th minute. Tashreeq Matthews provided the assist for Siyanda Ndlovu, who found the back of the net to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Matthews was a constant creative threat for Sundowns in the opening half, while Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa kept his side in the contest with several important saves.
Sundowns made their first change at the interval, bringing on Malibongwe Khoza for Grant Kekana as they looked to maintain control at the back and limit Arrows’ transition play.
However, Golden Arrows refused to surrender on home soil.
Coach Pitso Dladla adjusted his approach and introduced fresh attacking options as the home side searched for an equaliser.
The changes paid off in the 76th minute when substitute Philani Khumalo provided the assist for Junior Dion, who calmly finished to level matters at 1-1.
Dion once again proved to be a threat against the Brazilians, with his equaliser sending the home supporters into wild celebrations and setting up a dramatic finish.
Sundowns responded by pushing forward in search of a winner, with Sphelele Mkhulise, Aubrey Modiba and Iqraam Rayners introduced as the visitors looked to regain control.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 88th minute.
Teboho Mokoena produced a powerful long-range strike to restore Sundowns’ lead at 2-1. The midfielder had controlled the tempo for large periods of the match and capped his performance with a decisive late goal.
The closing stages became increasingly physical as Sundowns worked to protect their advantage. Rayners was booked in the 89th minute, while Golden Arrows continued to throw players forward in search of another equaliser.
Arrows made a late change in stoppage time, with Angelo Van Rooi replacing Nqobeko Dlamini, but the home side could not find a way through.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Sundowns, with Mokoena’s late strike denying Golden Arrows a share of the points.