Nedbank Cup: Marumo Gallants save their best for penalty shootout to advance

Photo Credit: Marumo Gallants FC

Marumo Gallants joined Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday after defeating second tier side Durban City in a penalty shootout at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.

After a somewhat promising start from Betway Premiership side Gallants, the match settled into a drab affair that lacked attacking qualify from either side. Durban City, currently the top side in the second tier Motsepe Foundation Championship, did well to keep the match close and nearly claimed the lead on a couple of occasions.

However, after 120 minutes of lackluster football, Durban failed to seize their opportunity in the penalty shootout. Substitute Joslin Kamatuka converted Durban's first attempt but Saziso Magawana crashed his effort off the crossbar before Athini Jodwana had his spot kick saved by Gallants goalkeeper Kagisho Mlambo.

Gallants kept their composure to convert all four of their attempts in a lopsided shootout that lacked suspense much to the delight of recently hired Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Known for their run to the final of the 2021-22 edition of the cup that led to a surprise semifinal appearance at the 2022-23 CAF Confederation Cup, Gallants are hopeful of another magical run to cup glory while also hoping to stave off relegation from South Africa's top flight.

Three of the four semifinalists are now determined with a date for the final quarterfinal between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United yet to be announced after the match, initially scheduled for Saturday, was postponed.