Durban City Beat Arrows On Penalties To Reach Nedbank Cup Semi-Finals
10 men Durban City needed penalties to overcome Golden Arrows and book their place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
After the match ended 1–1 following extra time, the tie was decided on penalties. Arrows captain Ayanda Jiyane missed his spot-kick after rattling the upright, allowing City to secure a 5–4 shootout victory.
Durban City now join Casric Stars, Milford FC and TS Galaxy in the semi-finals of the competition.
The last time these two sides met in the Nedbank Cup was in the 2016/17 round of 16, when Arrows won 3–0 before eventually reaching the semi-finals, where they lost to Orlando Pirates.
As the home side, Arrows dominated possession early on and pinned City in their own half for long periods.
City came into the match unbeaten since Pitso Dladla was appointed caretaker coach following the dismissal of Sinethemba Badela last month.
In fact, their midweek league draw against Sekhukhune United was the first time they had conceded a goal during Dladla’s two spells as caretaker coach, spanning five matches.
Despite Arrows creating a few early chances, it was City who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. A cross from Saziso Magawana was not properly cleared, and the ball fell kindly to Fezile Gcaba, who fired into the empty net after goalkeeper Edward Maova had been beaten.
The goal came as City chairman Farook Kadodia was breaking his fast and performing prayers during Ramadan.
Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines, visibly questioning why his defenders failed to deal with the cross.
Samkelo Maseko had a chance to double City’s lead five minutes into the second half but dragged his shot wide.
Arrows were eventually rewarded for their attacking persistence in the 59th minute when Thokozani Khumalo headed home at the far post. Khulekani Shezi delivered a superb cross that Khumalo met perfectly to level the score.
City’s task became more difficult when Athini Jodwana was shown a second yellow card for deliberately handling the ball while Arrows were attempting to launch a counterattack.
Referee Moses Kheswa’s decision initially appeared harsh, but it left City with 10 men.
Arrows had a golden opportunity to take the lead soon afterwards. Lungelo Nguse broke free from his marker and squared the ball to Khumalo, but the forward somehow fired wide with the goal gaping and Darren Keet stranded in the City goal.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match went into extra time.
Arrows nearly grabbed the decisive goal just before the break in extra time when Isaac Cisse unleashed a powerful shot that Keet tipped onto the crossbar.
With the score still level after extra time, the match was decided by penalties.
Durban City held their nerve in the shootout, and Jiyane’s miss proved decisive as City advanced 5–4.
The result continues a remarkable run for Dladla, who remains unbeaten since taking charge as caretaker coach.
