Marumo Gallants secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals by defeating Durban City 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.

The match had ended in a goalless draw after extra time, played under sweltering, humid conditions in Durban.

The Bloemfontein-based side will now await the semi-final draw to discover their next opponent, having been the dominant team throughout the match. Gallants, who won the competition in 2021, demonstrated their intent from the outset. Daniel Msendami’s precise cross nearly resulted in a goal from an unmarked Junior Zindoga inside the penalty area.

Simo Dladla’s Durban City appeared content to absorb pressure and rely on Menzi Ndwandwe to hold up play, but he received little support. Gallants continued to control the second half, though they struggled to create clear-cut chances in dangerous areas.

Ruzaigh Gamildien, a second-half substitute for City, delivered a dangerous cross that evaded everyone in the box, with no home player able to capitalize. City defender Siyavuya Ndlovu then came close, but his header went wide. Joslin Kamatuka also had an opportunity to open the scoring for City, but he failed to control the ball, and it went wide of the target.

City showed improvement in the second half following coach Dladla’s substitutions. They had a penalty appeal in the 90th minute when Bongumusa Nkosi went down in the box under a challenge from Mpho Chabatsane. However, referee Thulo Mokhele waved play on, likely because Nkosi appeared to initiate the contact.

With no goals scored by either side, the match proceeded to extra time. Msendami continued to trouble the City defense, delivering a cross that Gabadinho Mhango failed to convert. Rewaldo Prins then struck the crossbar when he should have scored.

Ultimately, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match went to penalties, where Gallants prevailed 4-2.

In the semi-finals, Gallants joins Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Orlando Pirates. The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, originally scheduled for Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, was postponed and will be played at a later date.