Golden Arrows booked their spot in the semi-finals of the MTN8 for the first time since 2009 after beating SuperSport United 4-3 on penalties on Saturday afternoon.
MTN8
Result: Golden Arrows 2-2 SuperSport United (Arrows won 4-3 on penalties)
Date: 14 August 2021
Venue: Princess Magogo Stadium
Matsatsantsa were without head coach Kaitano Tembo on the bench due to suspension, with Andre Arendse taking charge while new Arrows coach Lehlohonolo Seema kept the core of the team, with the exception of Nqobeko Dlamini, who was handed his debut.
The visitors had an early chance to go ahead in the 12th minute after Bradley Grobler pounced on a rebound inside the box with a volley but his effort lacked power and was gathered by goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana.
SuperSport were gaining momentum after that and Sipho Mbule fancied his chances just before the half-hour mark with a cracking strike from range that forced a save out Mlungwana.
Seema's charges were threatening on counter-attacks in the closing phase of the first stanza but they nearly went behind just before the half-time break after Jamie Webber curled a beautiful free-kick just outside the box that was saved by Mlungwana, who ensured the sides go to the half-time interval goalless.
Abafana Bes'thende had a dream start in the second stanza after they were awarded a penalty four minutes from the break after Teboho Mokoena tripped Nduduzo Sibiya inside the box and Knox Mutizwa broke the deadlock from the spot-kick, with shot-stopper Ronwen Williams parrying his strike into the back of the net.
Arrows had a big chance to double their lead in the 66th minute after a mistake at the back led to Pule Mmodi going clear on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat but Williams made a crucial save.
SuperSport were desperate to get back into the game and Arendse made a double attacking change just after that, as Gamphani Lungu replaced Grobler and Iqraam Rayners replaced Webber.
Lungu made an immediate impact for Matsatsantsa, as he snatched the equaliser 12 minutes before time with a low strike at the near post after a through ball by Mokoena.
SuperSport were fired up in search of the winner and Mokoena came close to finding it in the last five minutes with a looping free-kick that took a nasty deflection on the wall and bounced off the top side of the crossbar.
The hosts were also threatening in the tail end but the sides could not be separated in regulation time and the match went to extra-time.
Matsatsantsa were playing on counter-attacks in the early stages of extra-time and another substitute Rayners gave them the lead in the ninth minute of extra-time with a curling strike into the top corner after a lovely through ball over the top by Mbule.
However, with SuperSport defending too deep in the closing stages, Michael Gumede grabbed the equaliser for Arrows in the last two minutes after finishing off Velemseni Ndwandwe's cross at the back post and sent the clash to a shoot-out,
Arrows managed to hold their never and edged the penalty shoot-outs, with Gumede netting the decisive spot-kick after a crucial miss by Rayners, who skied his effort over the bar.
Click through the gallery below to see some of the top signings in the PSL so far:
Here's how they started:
Arrows: Mlungwana, Mathiane, Sibisi, Dlamini, Ndwandwe, Dube, Mtshali, Sibiya, Mmodi, Cele, Mutizwa.
Subs: N. Gumede, M. Gumede, Magawana, Sabelo, S.Dube, Conco, Ndlovu, Magubane, Mantshiyane.
SuperSport: Williams, Philips, Nhlapo, Fleurs, Bhasera, Webber, Donn, Mokoena, Mbule, Grobler, Gabuza.
Subs: Chigova, Matodzi, Mbatha, Moroalo, Waiswa, Manziba, Appollis, Lungu, Rayners.
