Durban City, the current leaders of South Africa's second tier Motsepe Foundation Championship, pulled off a thrilling upset of top division side TS Galaxy on Friday with a 2-1 extra time victory in their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash at the Chatsworth Stadium.
TS Galaxy shocked dominant South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday but were in for a rude awakening three days later. After a scoreless first half, it appeared that the Rockets would avoid a cup upset when in form Bosnian striker Dzenan Zajmovic put the Mpumalanga province based side ahead early in the second half.
However the club formerly known as Maritzburg United before their 2024 rebranding struck back in the 79th minute. Former South Africa national team striker Ruzaigh Gamildien was sprung down the right flank and his cross saw an attempted clearance ricochet off forward Joslin Kamatuka into the Galaxy goal.
With the match level at 1-1, extra time was needed and the hosts found the crucial winner with only a few minutes remaining in the second half. Tshanini Falakhe's cross from the left wing found substitute Senzo Ndlovu who snuck in for a powerful header past Galaxy keeper Jiri Ciupa. The underdogs proceeded to hold on for a massive victory.
It is very likely that the KwaZulu-Natal side will be the only representative in the cup quarterfinals from outside the top flight Betway Premiership. Four more scheduled fixtures remain with Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu involved from Saturday's three matches while Mamelodi Sundowns face lower tier opposition on Sunday.
Highlights
Quarterfinal Results
SuperSport United 2-1 Cape Town Spurs (AET)
Stellenbosch FC 2-0 Polokwane City
Durban City 2-1 TS Galaxy (AET)
Remaining Quarterfinal Fixtures
Marumo Gallants vs AmaZulu
Orlando Pirates vs Baroka
Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Mpheni Home Defenders
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