Jean Lwamba scores at both ends as Durban City claim maiden Nedbank Cup crown

Lwamba's own goal handed Galaxy a 1-0 advantage at the break, yet the KwaZulu-Natal outfit staged a comeback after the interval with strikes from Mfanafuthi Mkhize and Lwamba himself, marking City as the initial team from their region to secure the prize.

Durban City secured their debut Nedbank Cup triumph in club history, following a defeat in the 2018 final against Free State Stars during their time known as Maritzburg United.

This victory served as a milestone for their temporary manager Pitso Dladla, who claimed his inaugural significant honour in coaching.

For Galaxy, previous 2019 champions despite competing in the lower division then, the chance to replicate success in their subsequent final outing slipped away.

Notably, the past five Nedbank Cup finals have concluded at 2-1, while the preceding four finished 1-0. Prior to this sequence of 2-1 results, no final had ever ended in that manner.

In a key moment for Galaxy during the first half, Victor Letsoalo missed high over the goal from close range after Mpho Mvelase's delivery at the far post.

Galaxy went ahead in the 43rd minute when Letsoalo's powerful header was pushed away by Durban City keeper Darren Keet, only for City's Lwamba to deflect the rebound into his own goal from near distance while challenged by Seluleko Mahlambi.

Own goals in Nedbank Cup finals are not unprecedented. In 2011, Orlando Pirates' Rooi Mahamutsa scored against Black Leopards, and in 2016, Clayton Daniels did the same for SuperSport United versus Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium, yet both sides ultimately prevailed.

Though Durban City controlled most of the ball in the opening half and edged Expected Goals at 0.41 against 0.23, Galaxy registered the sole effort on goal in a cautious start.

Young defender Mlondi Mncwango suffered a cruel blow early in the second half, exiting with a leg problem in merely his second senior outing, giving way to veteran MacBeth Mahlangu.

City drew level shortly before the hour when Luphumlo Sifumba's driven pass through the area found Mkhize unmarked at the far upright, where he slotted home for their initial on-target attempt.

This marked only the second goal conceded by Galaxy in the current Nedbank Cup campaign, and the second tallied by City via one of their players.

Lwamba redeemed his earlier mistake by scoring properly this time, curling a fine effort with the outer foot over Galaxy custodian Ira Tape after receiving the ball from Sifumba just outside the penalty area.

This final represents merely the fifth Nedbank Cup decider since 2008 without involvement from Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, or Mamelodi Sundowns. The prior instances occurred in 2009 with Moroka Swallows overcoming University of Pretoria; 2010, BidVest Wits beating AmaZulu; 2018, Free State Stars narrowly defeating Maritzburg United; and 2021, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, now Marumo Gallants, topping Chippa United.