Milford Football Club produced a major upset by defeating Sekhukhune United on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw after extra time at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, to book their place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
Milford got off to a dream start when Cheswyn Philander opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, catching the hosts off guard with an early strike.
Babina Noko responded quickly and levelled matters in the 10th minute as Bradley Mojela rose highest to power home a header.
Sekhukhune then controlled large spells of the game, enjoying most of the possession and creating several chances, but they were unable to convert before the halftime break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the hosts pushing forward while Milford remained disciplined at the back. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the contest proceeded to extra time with the score tied at 1–1.
After a quiet first half of extra time, Sekhukhune finally took the lead in the second period when Olerato Mandi found the back of the net to put Babina Noko ahead.
Moments later, Sekhukhune had a golden opportunity to seal the match when Bradley Grobler found himself with the goal at his mercy but failed to convert.
The miss proved costly as Sibulele Mekuto struck in the 115th minute to bring Milford level at 2–2 and force a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Sekhukhune captain Daniel Cardoso confidently converted the opening penalty, striking straight down the middle and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Sifiso Mdluli responded for Milford by also converting his effort.
Grobler stepped up for Sekhukhune’s second penalty but was denied by goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza, who produced an excellent save. Olwethu Cele then made no mistake for Milford to give the visitors a 2–1 advantage.
Shaun Mogaila’s third penalty for Sekhukhune was also saved by Hleza, putting Babina Noko under further pressure. Milford’s Sikhusele Joyi had the chance to extend the lead, but Renalfo Leaner produced Sekhukhune’s first save of the shootout.
Thabang Monare then blazed Sekhukhune’s fourth penalty well over the bar, leaving Milford on the brink of victory. However, Menzi Chili struck the woodwork with the chance to seal the shootout.
Keletso Magalwa kept Sekhukhune alive by calmly converting their fifth penalty.
With the opportunity to finish the contest, Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza stepped up to take the decisive kick and confidently scored, sealing a memorable victory and sending the Motsepe Foundation Championship side into the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.
Image: DJ Brian Rikhotso