Durban City survive bizarre shoot-out to knock out Upington in Nedbank Cup

DURBAN City booked their place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals after defeating Upington City 2-0 on penalties following a tense, tactical, but goalless 120 minutes at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Saturday.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation time or extra-time, the Round of 16 clash was ultimately decided from the spot — and it unfolded in dramatic fashion.

Penalty drama decides contest

In one of the more unusual shoot-outs, the hosts failed to convert any of their attempts. Durban City were not flawless either, missing twice themselves, but goals from Emmanuel Jalai and Letsie Koapeng proved enough.

Siyabonga Mtombeni’s final attempt sailed over the bar, confirming Durban City’s progression after a gruelling afternoon in Upington.

Red card and late chances

The match had been finely balanced throughout. Upington were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes remaining when Rowan Visagie was sent off for violent conduct, shifting momentum toward the visitors.

Durban City pushed forward late in normal time, with Hashim Domingo’s long-range effort in the 79th minute drifting narrowly wide. Earlier, Saziso Magawana had tested the Upington defence with a solo run after the hour mark, only to see his effort blocked.

Upington still created moments despite being a man down. Their best chance came in the 100th minute of extra-time when Willie Nel broke through on goal, but Darren Keet produced a point-blank save to keep Durban level.

Heat and tension in Upington

Played in 34-degree heat, the encounter gradually slowed in the latter stages of extra-time as both teams battled fatigue. The first half had been cautious, with limited clear-cut chances, although Siyabonga Mtombeni had earlier found himself through on goal before being stopped by recovering defenders.

After 120 minutes without a goal, the match turned into a test of nerve from the penalty spot — and in the end it was Durban City who held theirs to advance.