Surviving The Scare: Durban City Edge Giant-Killers Casric Stars To Secure Final Spot

Durban City secured their place in the Nedbank Cup final after a narrow, hard-fought victory over giant-killers Casric Stars at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday.

City will now face the winner of the other semi-final between TS Galaxy and Milford, who play on Sunday.

Although City progressed, their performance—particularly in the second half—was far from convincing. Thabo Nodada, Darren Keet and Brooklyn Poggenpoel played crucial roles in keeping the danger at bay.

City could not have asked for a better start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Sphamandla Mlilo inadvertently turned Terrence Mashego’s cross into his own net while attempting a clearance.

It was a dream opening for City, who remain unbeaten at home this season in all competitions.

Stars, who had already eliminated Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu, were aiming to become the first team to beat City at home.

City created two more chances, with Sphamandla Ncanana going close and Saziso Magawana seeing his effort blocked on the line by Tshigwana Mthombeni.

Decide Chauke almost equalised soon after, meeting a dangerous cross, but Keet was rooted to his line as the chance went begging.

On the stroke of half-time, Magawana missed a sitter from Samkelo Maseko’s cross, needing only to guide the ball into the net. It was a poor miss from a player who has otherwise been outstanding this season.

Stars finished the half strongly, with several shots blocked inside the box.

The visitors were the better side after the break, with Chauke proving difficult to contain.

Stars began to show the resilience that had carried them past Pirates and AmaZulu earlier in the competition.

Just before the hour mark, Chauke broke through on goal, but Ncanana produced a superb last-ditch tackle to deny him.

It was a perfectly timed challenge, winning the ball before Chauke could get his shot away.

Stars continued to pile on the pressure, and when Chauke delayed his pass to set up Siphosethu Meveni, Keet was forced into another crucial save.

Coach Bucks Mthombeni and his technical team could only watch in disbelief as chances went begging.

City’s game plan largely revolved around absorbing pressure, offering little going forward in the second half.

Mlilo nearly scored a second own goal when another attempted clearance struck the crossbar.

Chauke remained a constant threat, firing another effort just wide, leaving Keet scrambling and relieved to see it miss the target.

Trevor Mokwena had a chance to seal the win late on, but failed to control the ball, allowing the opportunity to slip away.

Luphumlo Sifumba also missed a late chance, beating Mthombeni off his line but failing to hit the target.

As City booked their place in the final, they will be particularly grateful for the performances of Poggenpoel, Nodada in midfield, and Keet in goal, all of whom were outstanding.

Their contributions ensured City maintained their unbeaten run, but a stern test awaits when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the league on Tuesday.