BY: TANA MALINGA
Durban City FC kept their fairytale run alive in the Nedbank Cup after edging past Lamontville Golden Arrows in a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Sunday.
The KwaZulu-Natal clash delivered tension and excitement, but it ended in bitter disappointment for Arrows and wild celebrations for Durban City after a 1-1 draw in regulation time forced the match to penalties.
Durban City struck first in the 36th minute, when defender Fezile Gcaba reacted quickest inside the box to turn home from a corner, giving the visitors a crucial lead before halftime.
Arrows fought back strongly after the break and finally found their breakthrough just after the hour mark. Thokozani Khumalo rose high to power in a header, bringing the home side level and reigniting hopes of a quarter-final comeback.
The match took another dramatic turn when Durban City were reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute after Athini Jodwana received a red card. Arrows pushed forward with urgency but could not find the winner despite the numerical advantage.
With extra time failing to separate the teams, the contest was settled from the penalty spot. Durban City held their composure under pressure to secure a 5-4 shoot-out victory, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters.
For Durban City, it was a historic triumph that sends them marching into the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. For Arrows, it was a cruel exit, a night where opportunity knocked but ultimately slipped away.
