Milford stun Sekhukhune to reach Nedbank Cup semi-finals

Milford FC have continued their fairytale run in the Nedbank Cup, pulling off yet another massive upset by defeating Sekhukhune United 3-2 on penalties following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra time at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Motsepe Foundation Championship side, who have already earned a reputation as giant-killers, showed incredible resilience to claw their way back and eventually triumph in a dramatic shootout.

The match exploded into life just four minutes in when Cheswyn Philander silenced the Polokwane crowd. Assisted by Bulelani Sigomoshe, Philander unleashed a clinical left-footed strike from the right side of the box into the bottom corner to give the visitors a shock lead.

However, Babina Noko responded almost immediately. In the 10th minute, Lehlohonolo Mojela rose highest in the centre of the box to power home a header, restoring parity at 1-1. The rest of regulation time was a cagey affair, with Sekhukhune dominating possession but failing to find a way past the inspired Siphamandla Hleza in the Milford goal.

Extra-Time Rollercoaster In Nedbank Cup tie

With the scores level after 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time, where the drama reached fever pitch. In the 106th minute, substitute Olerato Mandi seemed to have won it for the hosts, firing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. His excessive celebration earned him a yellow card, but for the Sekhukhune faithful, it felt like the winner.

Milford, however, refused to go down without a fight. In the 115th minute, with time running out, Sibulele Mekuto met a pinpoint cross from Sifiso Mdluli following a set piece to head home the equaliser, making it 2-2 and sending the match to a shootout.

The Nedbank Cup Hleza Show

The penalty shootout was a masterclass in goalkeeping from Milford’s Siphamandla Hleza.

Sekhukhune’s Struggles: Hleza saved a crucial penalty from veteran Bradley Grobler and watched as Thabang Monare fired his effort over the bar. Shaune Mogaila also saw his attempt saved by the Milford shot-stopper.

Milford’s Composure: Despite misses from Sikhusele Joyi and Sibulele Mekuto (who hit the post), Olwethu Cele and Sifiso Mdluli kept their nerve.

The Final Blow: Fittingly, it was Siphamandla Hleza who stepped up to take the final penalty, smashing it into the bottom right corner to secure a 3-2 shootout victory and a historic spot in the semi-finals.

For Sekhukhune United, it is a devastating exit on home soil. For Milford, the Nedbank Cup dream continues as they move within one game of the final, cementing their status as the most dangerous underdog in the competition.