After facing each other two weeks ago, Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns faced off again this weekend in the Telkom Knockout semi-final.
Four key factors in Downs' victory were as follows:
- Jali Holds, Kekana Freed
- Arrows Start Too Safe Again
- Downs Fullbacks Run Riot
- Komphela Changes Nearly Rescue Result
For this game, Andile Jali was used in the holding role having been given more license due to Rivaldo Coetzee's presence alongside him. The former Oostende man has been used in different ways this season, including in a box-to-box role against Orlando Pirates and a pure holding role in the first half in this one. His presence allowed Hlompho Kekana to charge forward and the captain had three shots, created two chances and played six passes into the final third in just 45 minutes on the pitch.
As in the league game, Arrows defended too deep in the first half and this meant Mauricio Affonso could be a threat in the box whilst giving the midfield a larger area to cover. Sundowns, meanwhile, counter-pressed very well to stop Arrows from launching many dangerous counter attacks. Depending so deep open Arrows up to shots from range from Kekana and gave Sirino space to operate.
In the second half, Arrows played more aggressively in the challenges, defended higher up the pitch and committed more bodies forward. This kept Affonso far from goal and without the pace of Phakamani Mahlambi or Thapelo Morena (as a forward or winger), Arrows did not have too much to worry about in-behind them.
One big change from the league defeat – where Sundowns had a back four plus Coetzee, Lyle Lakay and Thapelo Morena further forward – was to leave out defensive fullback, Anele Ngcongca. This saw Morena revert to right back, and with Tebogo Langerman bombing forward on the other side, it gave a real problem to Steve Komphela's narrow midfield.
Langerman had the most touches of any Sundowns player (66), found a target with three of his four crosses and played the most passes into the final third for Masandawana (11). Morena and Langerman each made three dribbles and effectively played as wingers at times.
In the second half, Komphela introduced his own very attacking left back in Divine Lunga. He had a big impact, receiving the ball 39 times, making 11 forward passes. His presence caused issues for Sphelele Mkhulise defensively, prompting Ngcongca's late introduction.
Nduduzo Sibiya also impressed after his introduction, scored once and having three shots, whilst also creating a chance for a teammate. Having being linked with Downs in the past, he was clearly motivated and caused issues coming between-the-lines and linking with Knox Mutizwa. By that stage, Sundowns were down to ten men and without much threat up front, so were inviting pressure.
