The 2026 MTN8 semi-final line-up is complete, with defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and Lamontville Golden Arrows all booking their places in the last four after a dramatic weekend of quarter-final action.
Pirates and Sundowns survived extra-time battles on Saturday before Sekhukhune United produced a seven-goal thriller against AmaZulu and Golden Arrows stunned Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.
The semifinal draw, conducted after the final quarter-final at FNB Stadium, has pitted Orlando Pirates against Sekhukhune United, while Mamelodi Sundowns will face Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Pirates survive Durban City scare
Orlando Pirates were the first team to secure their semifinal ticket when they edged a stubborn Durban City 2-1 after extra time at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The defending champions looked on course for a routine victory after taking the lead, but Durban City refused to surrender and forced the match into extra time.
With City reduced to 10 men, Pirates eventually found the breakthrough late in extra time when new signing Ghampani Lungu struck the decisive goal to send the Buccaneers into the last four.
The 2-1 victory kept alive Pirates’ hopes of winning the MTN8 for a fifth consecutive year.
The Buccaneers will now face Sekhukhune United in what promises to be a highly competitive semifinal.
Mailula sends Sundowns through
Later on Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns also needed extra time to overcome a determined Polokwane City 3-2 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Polokwane City stunned the hosts by taking the lead through Bonginkosi Dlamini in the seventh minute.
Sundowns responded through Teboho Mokoena, who levelled in the 21st minute, before Antonio Van Wyk put the Brazilians ahead in the 31st minute.
Polokwane, however, refused to go down without a fight. Tidimalo Molokwane restored parity around the hour mark to make it 2-2 and force the match into extra time.
With the match heading towards penalties, returning forward Cassius Mailula emerged as Sundowns’ hero.
Mailula struck in the 113th minute after combining with veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, giving Sundowns a 3-2 victory and their place in the semifinal draw.
The victory means the African champions remain in contention for another domestic trophy, despite being pushed all the way by their Limpopo opponents.
Sekhukhune survive seven-goal thriller
Sunday’s action produced arguably the most dramatic quarter-final when Sekhukhune United defeated AmaZulu 4-3 after extra time at the Chatsworth Stadium.
The two sides produced an entertaining seven-goal encounter that remained in the balance until the additional 30 minutes.
AmaZulu took the lead, but Sekhukhune repeatedly fought back before eventually completing a dramatic comeback.
Vuyo Letlapa scored the decisive goal in extra time to send Babina Noko into the semifinal at the expense of Usuthu.
Sekhukhune’s victory sets up a fascinating semifinal against defending champions Pirates.
The Limpopo-based club will now have to produce another strong performance if they are to eliminate the holders and reach the MTN8 final.
Arrows stun Chiefs at FNB Stadium
Lamontville Golden Arrows completed the semifinal line-up by producing the weekend’s biggest upset, defeating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium.
Chiefs dominated possession and created several opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net.
