Arrows stage thrilling comeback to dump Sekhukhune out of Carling Knockout

Golden Arrows pulled off a dramatic second-half turnaround to edge Sekhukhune United 3-1 in the Carling Knockout round of 16 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The KwaZulu-Natal side, under Manqoba Mngqithi, overturned a halftime deficit courtesy of Bradley Grobler’s opener, with Jerome Karelse, Ayabulela Maxwele, and Ayanda Jiyane striking in quick succession to book their spot in the quarter-finals. This victory extends Arrows’ positive momentum after consecutive Betway Premiership wins over Orbit College and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Babina Noko, coached by Eric Tinkler, rue a first league loss at Polokwane City that they couldn’t shake off in cup action.

The first half was a tense affair dominated by defensive resilience, with both goalkeepers shining early on. Sekhukhune pressed aggressively from the outset, forcing Arrows’ Toaster Nsabata into a crucial save in the third minute, followed by Nhlanhla Zwane’s 12th-minute effort that the stopper comfortably gathered. Arrows hit back swiftly, with Thakasani Mbanjwa denying a free-kick shot moments later before tipping over a Grobler strike on the quarter-hour mark. As the hosts grew into the contest, the momentum swung cruelly against them in added time when Grobler rose highest to head home from a pinpoint delivery, sending Babina Noko into the break with a slender 1-0 lead and silencing the home crowd.

Abafana Bes’thende exploded out of the blocks after halftime, desperate for an immediate riposte. Substitute Thokozani Lukhele wasted a 55th-minute chance by firing wide, but the equalizer arrived soon after as Karelse, who had replaced Pule Khumalo at the interval, rose to meet a free-kick and plant a header past Nsabata in the 57th minute. The tide turned decisively in the 64th minute when Maxwele unleashed a ferocious strike from Luthando Ndlovu’s square pass, rifling the ball into the net to flip the scoreline and inject fresh energy into the Arrows faithful. Sekhukhune’s woes deepened just eight minutes later in the 72nd minute, as Nsabata spilled a corner under pressure, allowing Jiyane to pounce on the loose ball and bundle home from close range for 3-1.

With the game teetering on a knife-edge, both sides traded blows in the closing stages, but Arrows held firm to secure their progression. Mbanjwa was called into action once more with five minutes remaining, clawing away a towering Grobler header to preserve the lead. The final whistle sparked joyous scenes among the home support, as Mngqithi’s men marched on, showcasing their never-say-die spirit in the face of adversity. For Sekhukhune, the defeat stings after an otherwise solid start to the season, highlighting vulnerabilities exposed by Arrows’ relentless second-half surge.

This cup triumph sets up an intriguing path for Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout, with the draw for the quarter-finals looming. The result underscores Mngqithi’s tactical acumen in halftime adjustments, blending defensive solidity with clinical finishing, while Tinkler’s charges will reflect on missed opportunities to build on their opener. As the competition heats up, Arrows emerge as dark horses, ready to chase glory in one of South Africa’s most prestigious knockout tournaments.

FAQs on Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United Carling

What was the final score in the Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United Carling Knockout match?

Golden Arrows won 3-1, with goals from Jerome Karelse (57′), Ayabulela Maxwele (64′), and Ayanda Jiyane (72′), after Bradley Grobler’s opener in the 45+1st minute.

How did Golden Arrows stage their comeback against Sekhukhune?

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Arrows equalized through Karelse’s header from a free-kick, then Maxwele struck from a square pass, and Jiyane capitalized on a goalkeeper error from a corner.

Who were the key performers for Golden Arrows in the match?

Jerome Karelse scored the equalizer after coming on as a substitute, Ayabulela Maxwele netted the go-ahead goal, and Ayanda Jiyane sealed the win, with Thokasani Mbanjwa making crucial saves.

What was the halftime score and how did Sekhukhune take the lead?

Sekhukhune led 1-0 at halftime after Bradley Grobler headed home in the first minute of added time from a well-delivered cross.

Where and when was the Carling Knockout round of 16 match played?

The game took place at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with Golden Arrows hosting Sekhukhune United.