MTN8 Recap: Chiefs Crash Out As Arrows Produce Weekend’s Big Upset

The MTN8 delivered drama from beginning to end over the weekend, with extra time required in three of the four quarter-finals and one of South African football’s biggest clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, suffering an early exit.

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Kaizer Chiefs’ return to the competition ended at the first hurdle as Golden Arrows stunned Amakhosi 1-0 at FNB Stadium on Sunday. Elsewhere, defending champions Orlando Pirates survived a major scare against Durban City, Mamelodi Sundowns needed extra time to see off Polokwane City, and Sekhukhune United emerged victorious from a seven-goal thriller against AmaZulu.

The results leave Pirates, Sundowns, Sekhukhune and Arrows as the last four standing in the battle for the first major trophy of the 2026/27 season.

Golden Arrows Stun Kaizer Chiefs

The biggest story of the weekend came at FNB Stadium, where Chiefs’ hopes of ending their long wait for another MTN8 title were extinguished by Golden Arrows.

Amakhosi headed into the quarter-final with confidence after beginning their PSL campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kruger United, but they struggled to turn possession and opportunities into goals against a disciplined Arrows side.

The decisive moment arrived eight minutes into the second half when Khulekani Shezi found the breakthrough for Abafana Bes’thende. Chiefs pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through, leaving Arrows to celebrate a famous 1-0 victory and a place in the semi-finals.

The result handed Fernando da Cruz his first defeat as Chiefs coach and extended the club’s wait for another MTN8 crown. Amakhosi last lifted the trophy in 2014.

After an encouraging start to the new campaign, it represents an early reality check for Chiefs. Their attention now turns back to the PSL as they attempt to ensure their promising league start does not lose momentum.

Pirates Survive Durban City Scare

Four-time defending champions Orlando Pirates remain on course for an unprecedented fifth successive MTN8 crown, but their title defence nearly ended before it had truly begun.

Durban City pushed the Buccaneers all the way at Orlando Amstel Arena, forcing the quarter-final into extra time before Pirates eventually prevailed 2-1.

City’s task had been made significantly more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men in the first half, but the newcomers refused to disappear and kept themselves in the contest deep into extra time.

Just when penalties appeared to be looming, new Pirates recruit Gampani Lungu struck at the death to send the defending champions into the last four.

It was far from straightforward for the Buccaneers, but knockout competitions are ultimately about survival. Their pursuit of five consecutive MTN8 titles remains alive.

Mailula Marks Sundowns Return In Style

Mamelodi Sundowns were also made to work considerably harder than expected against Polokwane City.

Rise and Shine pushed the Brazilians beyond 90 minutes at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with the contest locked at 2-2 and requiring extra time to determine a winner.

Then came the perfect comeback moment for Cassius Mailula.

Back at Sundowns after spells abroad, Mailula marked his return with the decisive goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory and send Masandawana through to the semi-finals.

While Sundowns ultimately got the job done, the five-goal contest also gave them plenty to work on. Coach Miguel Cardoso highlighted his side’s problems defending set pieces after Polokwane repeatedly threatened the favourites.

Nevertheless, Sundowns are safely through and remain firmly in contention for a trophy they have not won since 2021.

Sekhukhune Win Seven-Goal Thriller

If entertainment was the measure, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United produced the game of the weekend.

The two sides traded blows in a remarkable quarter-final at Chatsworth Stadium, with AmaZulu twice taking the lead only for Babina Noko to fight their way back into the contest.

With the scores level after 90 minutes, the match headed into extra time before substitute Vuyo Letlapa struck in the 97th minute to secure a breathtaking 4-3 victory for Sekhukhune.

The victory sees Sekhukhune reach the MTN8 semi-finals for the second consecutive season and keeps alive their hopes of adding another major trophy to their growing collection.

MTN8 Semi-Finals Confirmed

The semi-final draw has produced two intriguing ties:

Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows