Durban City secure Nedbank Cup final spot after beating surprise package Casric Stars

Durban City earned their place in the Nedbank Cup final through an early mishap own goal by Casric Stars defender Sphamandla Mlilo, yet the underdogs generated numerous opportunities to draw level in the match.

Unfortunately for them, it was not meant to happen, ending their impressive journey that included upsets against Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu to reach the semi-finals.

The hosts took the lead within the opening six minutes thanks to that unfortunate own goal from the visitors. Terrence Mashego delivered a cross from the right flank, and as Mlilo attempted to clear the danger, he accidentally directed the ball into his own teams net.

This made Mlilo the third individual to record an own goal during Nedbank Cup semi-finals since 2008, following Mario Booysen of Maritzburg United and Lucky Mohomi from Free State Stars.

Almost right away, Mlilo had a shot at redemption with a header from a free kick at the opposite end, but he failed to direct it towards the target, while Stars keeper Tshigwana Mthombeni, son of owner coach Joseph ‘Bucs’ Mthombeni, needed quick reflexes to stop Saziso Magawana at the far post and prevent it becoming 2-0.

Durban City missed a golden chance to double their advantage when Jean Lwamba received the ball on the right and only needed to guide it past the Stars defence, but he sent his effort soaring over the crossbar and wide.

Casric Stars came close to pulling one back shortly before the 60th minute as Decide Chauke broke through on goal, yet the ball was cleared from him at the last moment just as he prepared to strike with only goalkeeper Darren Keet in his way.

Keet was then called into action again with a sharp save to thwart Siphosethu Meveni from point blank range, and it nearly turned into another own goal for Stars when Lifa Makua attempted to defend a cross only for the ball to rebound off the crossbar behind the line.

This marks the second time Durban City have made it to the final, although the first under their present identity.

The club originated from Maritzburg Uniteds relocation to Durban along with a name change, while retaining the same ownership group.

They featured in the Nedbank Cup final back in 2018, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Free State Stars in Cape Town. Adding a twist, Casric Stars came into existence when Mthombeni acquired the franchise rights of Free State Stars in 2022, making Saturdays outcome a form of payback.

Durban City achieved their third shutout in four Nedbank Cup matches this season, and it was the initial occasion they progressed without resorting to penalty shootouts.

Previously, their last five Nedbank Cup encounters had extended into extra time, with the four most recent decided on penalties.

The other semi-final takes place on Sunday, featuring TS Galaxy welcoming second division outfit Milford FC at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, starting at 15h00.

TS Galaxy lifted the trophy in 2019 as a second tier team themselves, overcoming Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the final held in Durban.

Four non Betway Premiership clubs have previously advanced to the Nedbank Cup final, but only Galaxy emerged victorious, with the others falling short.

Mpumalanga Black Aces suffered a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2008, University of Pretoria met the same fate against Moroka Swallows in 2009, and Black Leopards went down 3-1 to Orlando Pirates in 2011.

The 2026 Nedbank Cup final has been set for May 2.