POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – The “Year of the Underdog” has officially arrived. Just hours after Casric Stars stunned AmaZulu, Milford FC completed a historic double for the Motsepe Foundation Championship by knocking out Sekhukhune United in a thrilling penalty shootout. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Milford emerging victorious 3-2 on penalties.
The Stallions have now secured their first-ever semi-final appearance, leaving the Peter Mokaba Stadium in a state of disbelief as another Betway Premiership giant fell at the hands of the lower-division “giant-killers.”
A Seesaw Battle in Polokwane
Milford FC wasted no time in making their presence felt. In the 4th minute, Stellenbosch loanee Cheswyn Philander stunned the home crowd, timing his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and calmly slot home the opening goal.
Sekhukhune United, led by the experienced Eric Tinkler, responded with poise. By the 11th minute, they had restored parity when Lehlohonolo Mojela met a looping cross with a powerful header, finding the back of the net for his second goal of the campaign.
Extra-Time Drama
After a tense second half, the game reignited in extra time. Sekhukhune believed they had taken control in the 107th minute when substitute Olerato Mandi weaved through the defense to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
But the Stallions refused to go down without a fight. In the 117th minute, a perfectly delivered free-kick found Sibulele Mekuto, whose towering header sent the game to penalties.
The Shootout: Hleza the Hero
The penalty shootout was a nerve-racking spectacle. While Sekhukhune United struggled, missing three of their five attempts, Milford FC’s captain and goalkeeper, Siphamandla Hleza, became the hero.
Hleza not only saved two crucial penalties but also stepped up to calmly convert the final spot-kick, sealing a 3-2 shootout victory for his side.
Penalty Sequence:
- Sekhukhune United: ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅
- Milford FC: ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅
A New Era for the Nedbank Cup
With the “Big Three” already eliminated, and now Sekhukhune and AmaZulu joining them on the sidelines, the 2026 Nedbank Cup is set to crown a fresh, exciting champion. For the first time in recent memory, two second-tier sides will feature in the semi-final draw, both with the momentum of genuine title contenders.
Match Summary:
- Full Time: Sekhukhune United 2 – 2 Milford FC (AET)
- Result: Milford FC win 3-2 on penalties.
- Scorers: C. Philander (4′), L. Mojela (11′), O. Mandi (107′), S. Mekuto (117′).
- Man of the Match: Siphamandla Hleza (Milford FC).
