Masandawana began the match dominantly, with Tashreeq Matthews narrowly missing the target in the fourth minute before Fawaaz Basadien forced a save from Thakasani Mbanjwa after numerous missed headers from Sundowns defenders.
The visitors kept probing for goal and were duly rewarded when Cassius Mailula scored in the 31st minute following excellent interplay inside the box with Marcelo Allende.
Colombian striker Brayan Leon almost doubled the lead in the first minute of additional time but saw his header cleared off the line.
The second half resembled the strong start from Sundowns as they pushed to go ahead on aggregate with Khulumani Ndamane’s 49th minute header being disallowed for a handball.
However, Miguel Cardoso’s side failed to capitalize on their dominance and were made to pay in the 69th minute as Golden Arrows found the equalizer through star striker Sede Dion, to regain the aggregate lead.
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In the 77th minute Chilean midfield maestro Allende struck back for Sundowns with a powerful low shot between the legs of the goalkeeper to make the score 2-1 while also equalizing on aggregate before substitute Antonio van Wyk rifled home a third goal nine minutes later.
Arrows surged forward needing two goals to overturn the tie due to Downs three away goals being scored and got a glimmer of hope when Philani fired home from a tight angle, but the Tshwane giants held on to claim a 3-2 win in Umlazi and progress to the final.
Mamelodi Sundowns will face defending champions Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.