Durban City edge Arrows in KZN Derby Thriller to book Nedbank Cup semis spot

The King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium bore witness to a classic KZN Derby on Sunday evening as Durban City triumphed 5-4 on penalties over Golden Arrows following a gruelling 1-1 draw after extra time.

The victory sees Durban City join Casric Stars, Milford FC, and TS Galaxy in the hat for the Nedbank Cup semi-final draw, which is set to take place on Monday night.

The match lived up to its derby billing from the first whistle, with both sides trading blows in a cagey opening exchange. Durban City found the breakthrough in the 36th minute when Fezile Gcaba reacted quickest in the six-yard box. Following a well-delivered corner from Saziso Magawana, Gcaba’s left-footed shot found the high centre of the goal, silencing the home support and giving City a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Khumalo Rescues Abafana Bes’thende

Golden Arrows emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigour. After a flurry of tactical substitutions by the technical team, the pressure finally told in the 59th minute. Ayabulela Maxwele delivered a pinpoint cross into the danger zone, and Thokozani Khumalo made no mistake, guiding a header into the bottom left corner to level matters at 1-1.

The drama escalated in the 79th minute when Durban City were reduced to ten men. Athini Jodwana was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge, leaving City to navigate the final stages of normal time and the entirety of extra time with a numerical disadvantage.

Despite being a man down, Durban City remained disciplined, with Darren Keet producing several crucial saves to keep his side in the contest. Arrows threw everything at the visitors, with Isaac Cissé and Brandon Theron testing Keet from distance, but the veteran shot-stopper remained immovable. At the other end, Edward Maova was equally impressive, denying Samkelo Maseko in a high-stakes tactical chess match.

The Shootout: Sudden Death Heartbreak For Arrows in Nedbank Cuo

With the sides inseparable after 120 minutes, the match moved to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Both teams were clinical in the early rounds, with Thabo Nodada, Lungelo Nguse, and Sphiwe Mahlangu all converting their spot-kicks.

The momentum swung when Darren Keet saved from Thokozani Khumalo, only for Maova to immediately respond by denying Kyle Jurgens. In sudden death, Mfanafuthi Mkhize held his nerve to put City 5-4 up. The pressure shifted to Ayanda Jiyane, but his right-footed effort rattled the left post, sparking wild celebrations for the Durban City faithful.

Durban City’s heroic performance with ten men ensures their name is in the bowl for Monday’s draw. According to the PSL, the draw will be conducted LIVE on Extra Time at 20h30 CAT on SuperSport (Channel 202). With no seeding in place, City could face fellow giant-killers Casric or Milford, or the experienced TS Galaxy.