Miguel Cardoso's frustrations overshadow Mamelodi Sundowns' win against Golden Arrows

MAMELODI Sundowns beat Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night to maintain their 2026 Betway Premiership unbeaten run but their coach Miguel Cardoso left the field after 90 minutes a furious man.

Goals by Teboho Mokoena (27th minute) and Iqraam Rayners (47th minute) gave Sundowns the three points to help them maintain their league title charge, where they are currently going toe-to-toe with Orlando Pirates.

Arrows' consolation goal came from Sede Dion, who converted a penalty in 77th minute — perhaps the third and final incident of Cardoso's frustrations.

A few minutes before the penalty, in the 64th minute to be precise, Sundowns should have recorded their third goal when Nuno Santos stuck a grass cutter outside the box that Rayners converted with a deft back heel slice through his legs — that was the second incident that caused consternation for Cardoso.

In the 51st minute, in form Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams received a deserved red card — maybe another reason for Cardoso's iritations.

Referee Siyabulela Qunta got the two calls wrong — the penalty and ruling Rayners' second goal offside. That cost Sundowns, as they retained second spot on the table due to goal difference behind Orlando Pirates, who beat Polokwane City 2-1 — also on Wednesday night.

"It was a beautiful match, very beautiful football match. South Africa enjoyed a lot today. No, I am not upset, I'm happy we won, you see the people are happy. Lets celebrate and continue with life," responded Cardoso, sarcastically in his TV post match interview.

Tightening their defence would have been one of Manqoba Mngqithi's most emphasised training drills ahead of heading to Tshwane, since Arrows were already among the leakiest defences in the league this season with 22 goals conceded.

However, Arrows travelled to Tshwane boasting the one trait that no other team in the league has managed so far this campaign — that is being the only side to beat the defending champions in the league.

They won 1–0 in the initial fixture in Durban.

On Wednesday night, though, Mngqithi's side failed to pitch, and they were lucky to go to half-time trailing by only one goal. They had not a single shot at goal, let alone, on target. So when Rayners scored Sundowns' second for the night, it was game over for Mngqithi and his Arrows side.

It do not help even the fact that Sundowns were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Jayden Adams received a red card on the 51st minute with over 30 minutes still be played.

Rayners should have walked out with a brace but his second goal was disallowed as the refereeing team succumbed to Arrows players pressure as they ran straight to the linesman soon as it was scored.