Milford beat Sekhukhune to reach Nedbank Cup last four
Milford beat Sekhukhune to reach Nedbank Cup last four after a thrilling Nedbank Cup quarterfinal encounter that ended with a dramatic penalty shootout at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday. The Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC stunned top-flight opponents Sekhukhune United after a tense 2-2 draw following 120 minutes of football.
The hero of the evening was Milford captain and goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza, whose crucial saves and decisive spot-kick sealed a memorable penalty shootout victory and secured the club’s historic place in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup.
Milford FC avenge last year’s defeat
The victory carried special meaning for Milford FC as it served as revenge against Sekhukhune United, who eliminated them from the same competition in last year’s second round. This time, the Motsepe Foundation Championship side displayed determination and resilience to defeat the Betway Premiership outfit in one of the most dramatic Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clashes of the season.
Coach Xanti Pupuma made two changes to the lineup following the club’s previous defeat to Midlands Wanderers, bringing Konke Khwanya and Cheswyn Philander into the starting eleven. The tactical adjustment proved effective as Milford started the match confidently and immediately challenged their top-division opponents.
Early breakthrough for Milford
Milford FC made the perfect start when they opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Bulelani Sigomoshe produced a perfectly weighted through ball that split the Sekhukhune defence. Cheswyn Philander timed his run perfectly to remain onside before calmly placing the ball into the bottom left corner past goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
The early goal stunned the home supporters and gave Milford a valuable 1-0 advantage. However, Sekhukhune United quickly responded and restored parity just minutes later.
In the 10th minute, Vusimuzi Mncube delivered a dangerous cross that took a looping deflection before meeting the run of Lehlohonolo Mojela. The striker slipped past the final defender and guided a precise header into the bottom right corner, making it 1-1.
Sekhukhune United create pressure
Following the equaliser, Sekhukhune United began to dominate possession and create attacking opportunities. The Premiership side looked determined to avoid another cup upset and pushed forward with increasing intensity.
In the 27th minute, Thato Khiba delivered a threatening ball toward Tidiane Diamande inside the box, but Bhekani Mthiyane intervened just in time to prevent the striker from finishing.
Sekhukhune continued to threaten before halftime. In the 40th minute, Vuyo Letlapa sent a cross into the Milford penalty area searching for Mojela. Goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza rushed off his line, but Mojela’s header drifted wide of the target and the chance was wasted.
The first half ended with the score locked at 1-1, although Sekhukhune had several attacking attempts ruled out for offside.
Hleza keeps Milford in the game
The second half saw Sekhukhune United intensify their attacking play as they searched for the winning goal. In the 53rd minute, a risky pass from Hleza nearly resulted in a goal when Mncube intercepted the ball and created a chance for Mojela. Fortunately for Milford, the striker was ruled offside before he could score.
Sekhukhune continued to push forward and nearly took the lead in the 64th minute when Tshepho Mashiloane delivered a cross across the face of goal. Substitute Bradley Grobler was inches away from connecting with the ball inside the six-yard box.
A few minutes later, Monare played Grobler into the right side of the penalty area. The striker attempted to slip the ball past Hleza, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly and made a crucial save with his trailing leg.
Hleza was again called into action in the 85th minute when substitute Keletso Makgalwa fired a powerful free kick toward goal. The Milford captain produced a strong save to keep the score level.
Sekhukhune came close again moments later from a corner kick. Makgalwa’s delivery found Grobler at the near post, but substitute Sibulele Mekuto produced a heroic clearance off the goal line to deny the striker.
Extra-time drama unfolds
With neither side able to find the winner during regulation time, the match proceeded to extra time. The tension inside Peter Mokaba Stadium continued to build as both teams fought for a decisive goal.
Sekhukhune appeared to have secured victory during stoppage time of the first half of extra time. Makgalwa floated a ball toward the Milford penalty area, creating confusion among the defenders. The visitors failed to clear their lines and substitute Olerato Mandi collected the loose ball before finishing at the near post.
However, the dramatic encounter still had another twist. Milford refused to surrender and continued to fight for an equaliser.
In the 115th minute, Sifiso Mdluli delivered a well-placed free kick into the penalty area where Sibulele Mekuto rose above the defenders to flick a brilliant header into the net. The late goal brought the score to 2-2 and forced the match into a penalty shootout.
Siphamandla Hleza heroics secure victory
The penalty shootout produced a dramatic conclusion, with Milford captain Siphamandla Hleza taking center stage. Demonstrating calmness and leadership, the goalkeeper saved penalties from Bradley Grobler and Mogaila to give his side the advantage.
Hleza then stepped forward to take the final penalty himself and confidently converted the decisive spot-kick, securing a famous penalty shootout victory for Milford FC.
The dramatic triumph ensured Milford beat Sekhukhune to reach Nedbank Cup last four, marking a historic moment for the club.
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Milford FC celebrate historic achievement
Milford beat Sekhukhune to reach Nedbank Cup last four in one of the most memorable matches of this year’s tournament. The Motsepe Foundation Championship side showed determination, resilience, and belief to overcome a strong Betway Premiership opponent.
The performance from Siphamandla Hleza will be remembered as the defining moment of the match, with his saves and decisive penalty securing the club’s first-ever Nedbank Cup semifinal appearance.
For Milford FC, the victory represents a major milestone and further proves the unpredictable magic of the Nedbank Cup, where underdogs can rise and challenge South Africa’s top teams.
References
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SuperSport – Marvelous Milford stun Sekhukhune
https://supersport.com/football/news/e5a8b4c8-81ab-4ae8-bd86-15cce193a2ef/marvelous-milford-stun-sekhukhune
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