Posted in Match Report, News, Team News on Aug 09, 2026.
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0
Lamontville Golden Arrows (0) 1
(Shezi 53’)
MTN8, Quarterfinal (9.8.26)
FNB stadium, Nasrec
Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated from the MTN8 at the first stage after going down 1-0 to Lamontville Golden Arrows at FNB stadium on Sunday evening.
An opportunist goal from Abafana Besthende right back, Khulekani Shezi gave the visitors a 53rd minute lead that they did not relinquish for the remainder of the quarterfinal tie.
Amakhosi got off to a positive start, showing their intention to take the game to the visitors, pressing from the front and trying to win the ball high up the pitch.
In possession they were patient and deliberate in their build up, although it took until the 14th minute for the first real threat on goal, when some intricate passing between Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Mfundo Vilakazi released Luke Baartman inside the box but he was just beaten to the ball by goalkeeper, Edward Maova.
At the other end, Brandon Petersen had to alert and agile to tip away a mis-hit Philani Khumalo cross a minute later. As Arrows grew into the game, Petersen was quick off his line to foil Ronaldo Van Neel in the 23rd minute.
Chiefs wrested control of midfield back again and asked some searching questions of the Arrows defence for the remainder of the first half, as Lebohang Maboe fired wide twice before Ngcobo missed the target when he will feel he ought to have scored just before the half-hour point. On 33 minutes, Vilakazi found Wandile Duba in the box but his shot from a tight angle only found the side netting.
Petersen saved a stinging drive from Khumalo a couple of minutes later and Ngcobo went close again just before the break after good work from Duba down the left but Maova was able to block his close-range effort and the score at the interval was 0-0.
The decisive moment came eight minutes after the restart when Shezi received the ball wide on the right and, spotting Petersen well off his goal line, fired in a cross-shot that beat the Chiefs skipper at his near post.
With a precious lead to protect, Arrows retreated into a deep defensive posture, which try as they bravely did, Amakhosi could not penetrate.
Maboe had two long range efforts tipped over the bar by Maova in the 60th and 66th minutes, and even the introduction of new signing Langelihle Phil could not produce the desired outcome. Likewise, Thabiso Monyane and substitute, Mduduzi Shabalala had close attempts from long range with no luck.
The team will have no time to dwell on the disappointment, though. They will be in Betway Premiership action again on Wednesday evening when the entertain Sekhukhune United at FNB stadium for their first home league fixture of the season.
Line-ups
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen © (1); Miguel (84), Kwinika (4), Frosler (39), Monyane (2), Maboe (6), Ngcobo (12) (Phili (70) 62’), Mtasingwa (22) (Ndlovu (8) 87’), Vilakazi (28) (Shabalala (7) 79’), Baartman (11) (Solomons (18) 87’), Duba (47) (Ighodaro (50) 62’)
Subs not used: Leaner (16); Moloisane (42), Nkgwesa (38), Mthethwa (5)
Coach: Fernando Da Cruz
Golden Arrows: Maova (34); Jiyane © (4), Dlamini (24), Mabaso (38), van Neel (28) (Van Rooi (14) 87’), Shezi (3), Cele (30), Maxwele (25), Dion (18) (78’)arelse (22), P. Khumalo (36) (T. Khumalo (17), Zwane (41)
Subs not used: Mbanjwa (27); Gasa (49), Mantshiyane (35), Sithole (29), Mbatha (44), Rakosa (45)
Coach: Pitso Dladla
