Golden Arrows fight back to sink Sekhukhune and seal Carling Knockout quarter-final spot

Golden Arrows produced a stirring second-half comeback to beat Sekhukhune United 3–1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Bradley Grobler had given the visitors the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Arrows roared back with three unanswered goals after the break to extend their winning run and underline their resurgence under coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

The contest, billed as a clash between two of the league’s form sides and a tactical duel between Mngqithi and Eric Tinkler, delivered on both counts. The opening exchanges were cagey, with both teams leaning on familiar combinations.

Arrows’ early spark came from Siyanda Ndlovu, fresh off back-to-back Player of the Match performances. The winger nearly created the opener midway through the half when he broke free and squared for Sede Dion, only for Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata to cut out the danger.

Instead, it was Sekhukhune who struck first. Grobler — at 37 still as ruthless as ever — darted to the near post to steer home Keletso Makgalwa’s low cross in first-half added time. The finish showcased Grobler’s trademark instincts, while Makgalwa’s assist added to his growing reputation as Babina Noko’s creative spark.

Arrows were left aggrieved, having appealed for a foul in the build-up, but referee Jelly Chavani waved play on and the hosts went into the break trailing.

The second half saw a transformed Arrows side. Mngqithi’s half-time adjustments paid off almost immediately, with substitute Jerome Karelse grabbing the equaliser in the 58th minute. Nsabata failed to hold a free-kick and the 23-year-old reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line.

Six minutes later, Arrows were in front. Ndlovu, a constant menace down the flank, whipped in a teasing delivery for Ayabulela Maxwele to tuck away and send the Umlazi faithful into raptures.

Nsabata’s woes deepened in the 72nd minute. The Zambian goalkeeper spilled another free-kick under pressure, allowing Ayanda Jiyane to stab home on the rebound after two attempts. From there, Arrows controlled the game, showing the intensity and drive that have made them one of the league’s toughest sides to beat in recent weeks.

For Tinkler and Sekhukhune — who had arrived in Umlazi sitting second on the Betway Premiership table — it was a sobering reminder of the fine margins in cup football. Veteran defender Daniel Cardoso tried to marshal the backline, while Grobler, Makgalwa and Shaune Mogaila led the attack, but the visitors ultimately paid the price for defensive lapses and an off-colour night from their goalkeeper.

Arrows, meanwhile, will take confidence from the manner of their comeback as they booked their spot in the last eight. With momentum firmly on their side, Mngqithi’s men will be seen as dangerous contenders for the Carling Knockout crown.