Sede Junior Dion scored the only goal of the game in the 38th minute as Arrows produced a disciplined display to hand Sundowns a rare home defeat.
Sundowns made the brighter start in Atteridgeville and had an opportunity to take the lead when Cassius Mailula released Lebo Mothiba, but Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova denied the striker.
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Maova was later forced off through injury, with Thakasani Mbanjwa replacing him between the posts.
Despite the enforced change, Arrows struck seven minutes before half-time. Khulekani Shezi released Dion and the forward kept his composure to beat Ricardo Goss and give the visitors a surprise lead.
Sundowns dominated possession as they searched for a response, but Arrows remained compact and difficult to break down.
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Miguel Cardoso made changes after the interval in an attempt to inject more urgency into his side, with the hosts spending much of the second half pushing Arrows towards their own penalty area.
Mbanjwa was called into action as Sundowns increased the pressure, but the substitute goalkeeper stood firm to preserve Arrows’ advantage.
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The visitors continued to frustrate the Brazilians in the closing stages and held on to secure a valuable away victory.
The result leaves Sundowns with work to do in the return leg as they attempt to remain in contention for their first MTN8 title since 2021.
Arrows, who won the competition in 2009, will take a slender advantage into the second leg at King Zwelithini Stadium on 30 August.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
