Mamelodi Sundowns starting line-up: Goss, Morena, Khoza, Mvala, Basadien, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Sales, Ndlovu, Van Wyk, Rayners.
Golden Arrows starting line-up: Msibi, Shezi, Agnokoi, Jiyane, Maluleke, Msomi, Zwane, Maxwele, Gasa, Sithole, Dion.
Tonight is the fourth showdown between the two sides across all competitions in the 2026/27 campaign. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, the tie will be decided on the day, with extra time and a penalty shootout looming if the scores remain level after 90 minutes.
MAMELODi SUNDOWNS CHASE ANOTHER DOMESTIC TROPHY
Sundowns, known as Masandawana, will enter the clash brimming with confidence after reclaiming top spot in the Betway Premiership with a commanding 4-1 victory over Durban City.
Miguel Cardoso’s side are chasing a clean sweep of domestic silverware while also navigating a demanding schedule, with the CAF Super Cup final against them on Sunday. Sundowns booked their quarter-final place with a narrow 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants, but Cardoso has cautioned his players against complacency despite their recent momentum.
MANDLA NCikazi EYES UPSET
Golden Arrows, meanwhile, will arrive in Tshwane under the returning Mandla Ncikazi, who will be eager to make his mark in a new chapter with Abafana Bes’thende.
Arrows stormed into the quarter-finals with a convincing 4-0 demolition of Chippa United in the last 16. Their form has since wavered, however, with the Durban outfit most recently losing 1-0 to AmaZulu in the KwaZulu-Natal derby.
Ncikazi has highlighted the limited training time between fixtures as a challenge to implementing tactical changes, although his side remains determined to produce a major upset.
The historical record favours the Tshwane giants, who have won 10 of their previous 13 cup encounters against Arrows. Yet the visitors have already shown they can trouble the champions. Arrows handed Sundowns their only defeat of the campaign so far, claiming a 1-0 win in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals in August.
Sundowns responded by winning the second leg 3-2 before also claiming victory in a subsequent league meeting. Now, Abafana Bes’thende will be looking to settle the score when the sides meet again.
