Mamelodi Sundowns Face Defeat From Golden Arrows. Image credit: Gallo Images.
(The Post News) – At the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban, Mamelodi Sundowns’ undefeated streak in the 2025–2026 DStv Premiership was brought to a sudden halt on the afternoon of Wednesday when they lost 1-0 to Golden Arrows.
The outcome prolonged their dismal streak of patchy performances that had permeated their playoff run and represented their initial defeat during the new season. Junior Dion’s goal in the start of the half was the game-winning goal, as the Ivorian forward took advantage of a defensive breakdown by Sundowns to score it. The goal was sufficient to give Arrows their first triumph over Sundowns since 2019, more than six years ago.
Sundowns went into the game with high hopes of winning, moving back to the top of the Premiership standings, and celebrating head coach Miguel Cardoso’s 50th game in command. But during the game, the defending champs missed their typical attacking drive and looked unusually flat.
In an attempt to incite a rebound, Cardoso made a number of tactical changes, involving bringing in Nuno Santos, a new Portuguese acquisition, in the second half. They battled to create pace and unity in the last minute therefore, the adjustments did not impact the outcome of the match.
They will have a lot to think about after the loss as they continue to aim for another league championship. Given his upcoming hectic timetable, which includes both local and continental obligations, Cardoso is expected to get back on track by discovering ways to get things going again.
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