MTN8 final awaits as Pirates and Sundowns seal dramatic wins

by Chumasande Matiwane

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will contest the 2026 MTN8 final after two dramatic semi-final second-leg victories over the weekend. 

The Buccaneers were the first side to book their place, producing a commanding 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to complete a 4-0 aggregate triumph.

Also see: MTN8 semi-final 2nd leg confirmed: Who will reach the final?

Sundowns followed on Sunday with an equally dramatic 3-2 win away against Golden Arrows, advancing on the away-goals rule after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate. 

Pirates cruise into 5th straight final

Orlando Pirates entered the second leg with a slender 1-0 advantage secured in Polokwane, where Deon Hotto’s first-half strike had given the defending champions the edge. 

There was little sign of nerves in Soweto, however, as Pirates took control of the decisive match. Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring before Ghampani Lungu doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, giving the Buccaneers a 2-0 lead at half-time. 

Sekhukhune showed plenty of fight after the interval, but Pirates remained in control, and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made an important save to keep the visitors at bay.  

The victory also secured a significant piece of history for Pirates as they have now reached the MTN8 final for a fifth consecutive season, becoming the first Premier Soccer League side to achieve that feat.  

Orlando Pirates are now just one victory away from a fifth successive MTN8 title, having dominated the competition in recent seasons. 

Sundowns survive Arrows thriller

If Pirates’ passage to the final was relatively comfortable, Sundowns had to endure a far more dramatic evening in Umlazi. 

The Mamelodi team travelled to King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat against a Golden Arrows side that had built an impressive defensive record. 

Sundowns eventually found the breakthrough through Cassius Mailula, whose composed finish levelled the tie.  

Arrows responded through Sede Dion, who restored their lead on the night and put the home side back in control of the aggregate score. But Sundowns refused to surrender. 

Marcelo Allende equalised in the 77th minute before substitute Antonio van Wyk produced the decisive moment.  

His long-range effort found the net eight minutes later, giving Sundowns a 3-2 lead on the night and putting them ahead on the away-goals rule.  

Golden Arrows added another late goal through Philani Khumalo, setting up a tense finish. The result left the teams level at 3-3 on aggregate, but Sundowns’ three away goals were enough to send Miguel Cardoso’s side through to the final. 

Also see: Orlando Pirates crowned Betway Champions 

A heavyweight final awaits

The stage is now set for an intriguing showdown between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs. 

Pirates arrive in the final as four-time defending champions, chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 crown. Sundowns, meanwhile, will take confidence from a comeback victory that showcased their resilience under pressure. 

The final is scheduled for 10 October 2026, with the venue to be confirmed. 

Also see: Pirates send title warning as Chippa ease relegation fears in decisive Betway Premiership weekend

Featured image: X/@iDiscki

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