Durban City has secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after defeating Lamontville Golden Arrows in a thrilling penalty shoot-out. The Citizens, who played with 10 men for a significant portion of the match, emerged victorious with a 5-4 win in the shoot-out.
Nedbank Cup Quarter-Finals Recap
The match, which was played at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, saw both teams create numerous scoring opportunities. Defender Fezile Xaba opened the scoring for Pitso Dladla’s team in the 36th minute, but Thokozani Khumalo equalized for Arrows early in the second half.
Goalkeeper Darren Keet was the hero for City, producing a string of outstanding saves in regulation time, extra time, and the eventual penalty shoot-out. Keet’s saves were crucial in keeping the Citizens in the contest, particularly when Khumalo missed a golden chance for Arrows that could have settled the tie.
Penalty Shoot-Out Drama
The penalty shoot-out was filled with drama, with Keet saving Khumalo’s spot-kick and Arrows skipper Ayanda Jiyane striking the upright in sudden death. Thabo Nodada, Sphiwe Mahlangu, Emmanuel Jalai, Ronaldo Maarman, and Mfanafuthi Mkhize all converted their penalties for City, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
According to the Nedbank Cup format, the semi-finals will feature the four teams that emerged victorious from the quarter-finals. The Citizens will join TS Galaxy, Milford FC, and Casric Stars in the semi-finals, which promises to be an exciting contest.
Here are the teams that have secured a spot in the semi-finals:
- Durban City
- TS Galaxy
- Milford FC
- Casric Stars
The semi-finals draw will take place on Monday, and fans can expect an exciting contest between the four teams. With the Nedbank Cup being one of the most prestigious cup competitions in South African football, the stakes are high, and the teams will be looking to give it their all to emerge victorious.
