Golden Arrows hand Mamelodi Sundowns massive blow as poor Masandawana struggle against their former coach Manqoba Mngqithi in Premier Soccer League outing

Golden Arrows put up a brave fight to beat Mamelodi Sundowns, for the first time since November 2019, by a solitary goal in the Premier Soccer League outing staged at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. 

The determined hosts dominated the early exchanges between the teams, threatening with attacks, especially from the wings. In the 19th minute, the lively Junior Dion was wrongly flagged for offside.

Nevertheless, Manqoba Mngqithi's team deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute when Dion rose highest to head home a corner played in by Philangenkosi Khumalo, a reward for his resilience. 

The defending champions looked better after the break, stringing meaningful passes in search of an equaliser, but Abafana Bes'thende gave as much as they received, which made the encounter even more entertaining.

Coach Miguel Cardoso made a brave decision to introduce 18-year-old Bennet Mokoena in the 59th minute after his heroics for the U21 team in the DDC outing a couple of days ago.

Sundowns could have conceded two quick goals, or at least one in the latter stages of the game, but Ronwen Williams pulled two big saves as his team eventually fell 1-0. 

18-year-old Mokoena was rewarded with a spot on the senior team bench after his showing during Sundowns' 5-2 victory over Durban City in the DDC outing, where he found the back of the net four times.

Striker Junior Dion was a thorn in Sundowns' defense from the first whistle, making dangerous runs behind the defenders with every opportunity he got.

He managed to get what turned out to be the only goal of the match in the first half, but could have easily been a brace on a different day.

Cardoso expected to get a win against Arrows, a team Masandawana had easily beaten for the last 2,144 days, but the opponents had different ideas.

The former Esperance coach finds himself under early pressure, considering the fact that they are already trailing surprise package Sekhukhune United, who have played fewer games.

The next assignment for Masandawana will be on Saturday against Richards Bay, a game they have to win and continue their surge in the club's bid to win the PSL crown for the ninth time in a row.

Another disappointing outing for Cardoso might welcome changes from the unforgiving club's management.

Manqoba Mngqithi's Golden Arrows will host newbies Orbit College, who have been struggling for consistency in South Africa's top-flight football.