Kaizer Chiefs crash out of MTN8 as Arrows stun Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0

Golden Arrows (0) 1

Shezi 53’

Kaizer Chiefs crashed out of the MTN8 after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, ending their hopes of early silverware under Fernando Da Cruz.

Abafana Besthende advanced to the semi-finals alongside Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, while Chiefs were left to reflect on another disappointing exit in the competition.

The defeat also extended Amakhosi’s wait for an MTN8 title to 12 years, with their last triumph coming in 2014.

After a cagey opening 45 minutes, it was Arrows who broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when right-back Khulekani Shezi silenced the home crowd in the 53rd minute.

Khulekani Shezi with a beauty! 🤯

Golden Arrows are finding their stride at FNB Stadium 👏👏

📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/qJtiwAtcXG

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 9, 2026

The fullback showed good attacking awareness to recognise Brandon Petersen’s advanced position before unleashing a powerful effort towards the near post.

Petersen was unable to get across in time as the ball flew past him and gave the visitors a priceless advantage.

Chiefs would have been frustrated to enter the interval level despite creating enough opportunities to take control of the contest.

Amakhosi registered 11 attempts at goal during the opening half but lacked the composure required in the final third to turn their dominance into goals.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo was among the main culprits, with the midfielder unable to convert promising opportunities after Chiefs’ pressing had created openings.

Instead, Arrows remained disciplined and eventually found the moment of quality required to take control of the knockout tie.

This team is useless, how are we gonna compete for africa with players that dont want do work hard.

— Roekeloos (@apollusdj) August 9, 2026

The result will come as a major disappointment for Da Cruz, who had overseen an encouraging start to his Chiefs tenure before Sunday’s setback.

Amakhosi had won the Toyota Cup before opening their Betway Premiership campaign with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Kruger United.

However, the MTN8 defeat represents their first major setback under the Frenchman and highlights the work still required as he attempts to build a team capable of competing for silverware on multiple fronts.

For Arrows and coach Pitso Dladla, meanwhile, the victory represents an important early statement in their new era.

They now advance to the last four, while Chiefs must turn their attention back to the league and begin the process of recovering from another early cup disappointment.