Mamelodi Sundowns registered their first defeat of the season against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. The loss came through a 1-0 scoreline in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal in their backyard.
The hosts looked for a strong start early in the game, with Cassius Mailula making a cross intended for Lebo Mothiba. The forward who intended to head the ball arrived late to it as the keeper caught it.
A clear-cut chance presented itself for Downs on the 11th minute as they kept the ball in their opponent’s half. A one versus one effort was blocked by the goalkeeper who spread himself to block the convincing chance from Mothiba.
Another cross from Mailula met Mothiba who attempted to head it towards goal. He was, however, unlucky to have the ball sail over the bar.
On the 25th minute, Arrows made a counterattack effort that saw them drive the ball to the box. With so much defensive attention from the hosts, the visitors fired a shot that went wide.
Despite the hosts dominating possession, it is Abafana Besthende who broke the deadlock on the 38th minute through a clinical finish.
In the final minutes of the opening stanza, Bennet Mokoena almost levelled matters through a long range strike but the keeper hopped to smack the ball away. The hosts went to the break trailing by a goal.
Bafana Ba Style almost levelled matters in the opening minutes of the second half. It was Aubrey Modiba’s effort from the left flank that saw the keeper diving to redirect the ball off the target with his fingers.
On the 70th minute, Downs drew another save out of the Arrows keeper. Modiba’s corner kick found substitute, Brayan Leon, whose effort was cleared by the keeper.
Three minutes later, on the other side of the box, Arrows were close to doubling their lead but the shot went wide.
The hosts fought very hard looking for a goal but it wasn’t to be for them. They will head to KwaZulu-Natal next weekend and hope to turn things around as they continue their quest for the MTN8 title.
How we lined up: Goss, Mdunyelwa, Johannes, Khoza, Modiba ©, Aubaas, Allende, B. Mokoena, Mailula, Mothiba, Ndlovu.
Subs: Onyango, Mvala, Basadien, Morena, Mkhulise, Zwane, Santos, Matthews, Leon.
