Nedbank Cup Shock: TS Galaxy Dump Sundowns As Durban City Win Nerve-Shredding Shootout

The Nedbank Cup Round of 16 delivered the kind of chaos football fans live for. Underdogs rose, favourites fell, and a penalty shootout kept supporters on the edge of their seats as the quarter-final line-up began to take shape.

TS Galaxy vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Early Goals Rock PSL Giants

There was no sign of nerves from TS Galaxy when they hosted heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaNdebele. Instead, the Rockets played with authority from the outset.

Sundowns looked sharp in the opening exchanges. Tsiki Ntsabeleng drew an early foul, leading to a free-kick that Miguel Reisinho sent over the bar. Peter Shalulile and Victor Letsoalo both found the net but were ruled offside during an energetic first spell.

Galaxy, however, refused to be pinned back. In the 18th minute, Seluleko Mahlambi tested Denis Onyango with a fierce header. Moments later, the breakthrough arrived. Siphamandla Ngwenya produced a stunning right-footed effort from range that arrowed into the bottom corner, handing the hosts a deserved lead.

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The pressure intensified on 31 minutes when Mahlambi was brought down in the box by Thato Sibiya. Junior Zindoga made no mistake from the penalty spot, calmly converting to make it 2-0 and leave Sundowns stunned.

After the interval, Sundowns threw everything forward. Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan León and Thapelo Morena were introduced in search of a lifeline. Morena, Matthews and Malibongwe Khoza all came close, while Themba Zwane’s effort from close range was brilliantly denied by Ira Tapé, who delivered a commanding display between the posts.

Despite relentless late pressure — including a stoppage-time header from Nuno Santos — Galaxy held firm to seal a famous victory and book their quarter-final ticket.

Durban City vs Upington City: Penalty Shootout Decides Tense Cup Tie

Over at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Durban City and Upington City could not be separated after 120 minutes of football.

Clear-cut chances were scarce, and tension steadily built as the match wore on. Upington’s task became even tougher in the 68th minute when Mario Visagie received a straight red card for violent conduct. Down to ten men, they dug deep and resisted Durban’s advances.

Goalkeeper Darren Keet proved decisive late in regulation time, producing a crucial save to keep Durban’s hopes alive and push the contest into extra time.

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With neither side able to break the deadlock, the tie went to penalties — and that’s where it unravelled for Upington. They failed to convert any of their four spot-kicks. Emmanuel Jalai and Letsie Koapeng kept their composure for Durban City, securing a 2-0 shootout victory and sparking celebrations among the travelling support.

Nedbank Cup Quarter-Finals Take Shape After Round of 16 Upsets

The drama of the last 16 underlined why the Nedbank Cup remains one of South Africa’s most thrilling competitions. Giants can fall, underdogs can dream, and one moment of magic can change everything.

TS Galaxy’s statement win over Sundowns sends a clear warning to the remaining contenders, while Durban City’s cool heads from the spot prove that resilience can be just as powerful as flair.

With the quarter-finals looming, the road to cup glory just became even more unpredictable.