Golden Arrows lead
Golden Arrows took the lead in the 37th minute and it was their Ivorian marksman Sede Dion who ended his five-hour wait for a goal.
The goal came from a brilliant pass by Khulekani Shezi, who set Dion free on goal with just Ricardo Goss to beat.
He slipped the ball beneath the goalkeeper, showing great composure as the Betway Premiership Golden Boot winner managed his first goal of the new domestic season.
It was the first goal conceded by Goss in Sundowns colours since a 3-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC in May 2022, having spent the last four seasons out on loan.
Rare home defeat
It was a first home defeat for Sundowns since they lost a Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs in April 2025.
Since then, they had played 34 matches in front of their own fans, winning 26 to go with eight draws, but ran out of luck this time against a resolute Golden Arrows.
They had plenty of chances but could not finish and, while there was an element of bad luck in front of goal, credit must also go to the superb defending of Abafana Bes’thende.
The Betway Premiership is never short of drama as Orlando Pirates ended Mamelodi Sundowns' eight-year reign as champions last season. Kaizer Chiefs are hoping to become genuine title contenders again this year. Keep up to date with the latest news, analysis, incredible statistics and more.
Miserly Arrows
Golden Arrows are hoping to reach their first final since they were resounding champions in 2009 with a 6-0 hammering of Ajax Cape Town, still the biggest winning margin in a major domestic cup final.
They continued a remarkable run of eight consecutive clean sheets, five of which have come in games that ended 0-0. Another was a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in their MTN8 quarter-final, while they also claimed a 2-0 league victory away at Chippa United.
The only player to score against them in their last 11 games – around 18 hours of football – is AmaZulu’s Sandile Mthethwa at the start of May.
As much as Golden Arrows have been miserly at the back, they have not exactly set the world alight up front.
They have conceded just once in their last 11 games but have scored only five goals themselves in that time. It makes them a tough watch.
What’s next?
Sundowns host in-form AmaZulu in the league on Wednesday before heading to Durban to play the second leg of this tie on Sunday.
The Usuthu clash will be no easy encounter and coach Miguel Cardoso will look to balance his team selection, knowing they have a tough clash with Golden Arrows to come.
Golden Arrows host Stellenbosch FC in their league encounter on Wednesday, so have at least avoided more travelling during the week.