Marumo Gallants are going to face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final after defeating Golden Arrows 4-2 on penalties in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon at King Zwelithini Stadium.
The match had finished 2-2 after 120 minutes with goals for Arrows coming from Isaac Cisse and Nqobeko Dlamini, while Phillip Ndlondlo and Sekela Dlamini netted for the away side.
Manqoba Mngqithi made just one change to previous match’s starting eleven, replacing Jerome Karelse with Thokozani Khumalo. On the other hand, Alexandre Lafitte opted for a major reshuffle, introducing eight changes from the team that started against Durban City.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa enjoyed periods of control in the early stages, testing the home side, who appeared to struggle in building meaningful attacks. In the 11th minute, Sekela Sithole came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful strike that flashed just wide of the post.
As the game progressed, Abafana Bes’thende began to threaten in the final third with a few counter-attacks, but the visitors’ well-organised rest defence stood firm, denying them any meaningful entries into the box.
As the match settled, Arrows took control with the lion’s share of possession, while Gallants were forced to sit back and defend. Their improvement in the game almost paid off in the 28th minute when Sboniso Madonsela’s mis-hit cross rattled the post.
In the 41st minute, Xolani Ngcobo was called into action, parrying away Ndlondlo’s well-placed free-kick to keep the scores level. The sides headed into half-time with the scoreline still 0-0.
Emerging from half-time, Arrows eventually broke the deadlock when Isaac Cisse capitalised on a defensive lapse from Gallants, tapping in the ball following a corner-kick. However, their lead was short-lived as the Free State-based oufit leveled the score just two minutes later.
The momentum swung again as Gallants regained the advantage as Sithole scored their second goal with an audacious chip shot over the Arrows goalkeeper, Ngcobo, after crossing the center line. In the 71st minute, Arrows levelled matters via Nqobeko Dlamini, who hit the net after combining well with Junior Dion.
With the winner eluding both sides, the contest moved into extra-time. In the opening 15 minutes, Arrows enjoyed a dominant spell, creating several chances, but Gallants held firm defensively. Even the second half, Laffite’s troops were glued at the back as the Durban side continued to put pressure.
After 120 minutes of play, the two teams remained tied, leading the match to penalty shootout with Gallants coming out victorious to book their spot in the final.
