Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC produced a remarkable giant-killing performance to eliminate Betway Premiership outfit Sekhukhune United 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Stallions made a dream start to the encounter as they drew first blood early in the match through Cheswyn Philander, stunning their top-flight opponents and setting the tone for an entertaining cup tie.
Babina Noko responded through Bradley Mojela, who levelled matters to ensure the match remained finely balanced as the game progressed.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal in regulation time, the contest headed into extra time where the drama intensified. Olerato Mandi looked to have sealed victory for Eric Tinkler’s man when he found the back of the net, putting them ahead and seemingly on course for the semi-finals.
However, the Durban outfit refused to surrender. Sibulele Mekuto emerged as the hero for the Championship outfit when he grabbed a crucial equaliser to send the tie to a penalty shootout.
The shootout ultimately favoured the underdogs as the homeside faltered from the spot. Bradley Grobler, Lefa Mogaila and Thabang Monare all missed their penalties, allowing the visitors to secure a famous victory and progress to the last four of the competition.
The result means Milford become the second Motsepe Foundation Championship side to book a place in the semi-finals, further highlighting the magic and unpredictability that the Nedbank Cup continues to deliver.
Milford head coach Dr Xanti Pupuma admitted after the match that the victory brought mixed emotions, particularly with the added fixture congestion that comes with cup success.
“It’s a bit of a disadvantage. It’s not what I wanted, but I’m happy because the boys are happy. I think that’s what cup games do. They sort of give that achievement feeling, that well-done sort of feeling,” said Pupuma after the match.
“So I’m happy from that. It’s made it easy for me to raise the team spirit before the cup game. Otherwise overall, we’ll take another game which is a bit of a problem. But what can I do? It’s football.”
Milford’s victory ensures their fairytale Nedbank Cup run continues as they now await the semi-final draw, with the possibility of another top-flight opponent standing between them and a historic place in the final.
