Safranko’s late strike blunts Arrows in MTN8 semifinal

Mamelodi Sundowns overcame the disappointment of conceding an early goal on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Golden Arrows in the away leg of their MTN8 semifinal at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

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New signing Pavol Safranko was the hero for Masandawana as he levelled with five minutes on the clock, to give Sundowns the advantage heading into next month’s second leg in Tshwane.

Most of the time coaches will say – in their pre-match comments – that they would love to get an early goal so the pressure can be on the opponent to catch up. This was exactly what Lehlohonolo Seema’s Arrows managed as they took the lead in only the sixth minute.

The opening strike by Nqobeko Dlamini was one from some distance and what made it look even better is how he dribbled past his markers before lining up a grass-cutter that flew past Denis Onyango.

Masandawana dominated the proceedings, making numerous entries into Sifiso Mlungwana’s box. In the 18th minute, Gaston Sirino came close to finding the equaliser when he was found by a Lyle Lakay cross, but his attempt was rather miscued. .

Arrows went into the break with their noses in front as players surged through the tunnel as soon as referee Thando Ndzadzeka signaled for the break, seemingly looking to take cover from the rain that was pouring at the Sugar Ray Xulu stadium.

It was the same story in the second half, as all Sundowns players, except Denis Onyango, were camping in Arrows’ half, not giving the hosts any breathing space. Sundowns were enjoying the possession of the ball so much that they had 91% ball possession by around the 70th minute.

Most of Masandawana’s advances to forward led to missed opportunities, but after the introduction of Pavol Safranko, Downs had a focal point to play towards.

Thabiso Kutumela made a few crosses to Safranko, but goalkeeper Mulungwana was up to the task.

In the 77th minute, Safranko was close to connecting with the ball after a delightful cross, but Mulungwana was quick enough to sense the danger as he palmed away the ball or a corner-kick. That corner kick was followed by two more but he still had full control of his goal area.

Eventually, after much probing, the breakthrough came in the 85th minute courtesy of Safranko’s first goal for the club. Mulungwana had initially made the save from a Kutumela cross but he could not hold on to the ball and he spilled it right in front of the alert striker, who toe-poked in to open his account in South African football, giving Sundowns some leverage going into the second leg.