Nedbank Cup: Galaxy shock Sundowns as Durban City survive penalty shootout drama
By
SABC Sport
21st February 2026
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The Nedbank Cup Round of 16 delivered high drama as TS Galaxy stunned Mamelodi Sundowns with a clinical 2-0 win, while Durban City held their nerve to knock out Upington City on penalties.
Galaxy Strike Early and Silence Sundowns
At the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaNdebele, TS Galaxy showed intent from the first whistle against heavy favourites Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns started brightly, winning an early free-kick after Tsiki Ntsabeleng was fouled inside three minutes. Miguel Reisinho fired over from distance, while Peter Shalulile and Victor Letsoalo were both flagged offside in a lively opening spell.
But Galaxy settled quickly. In the 18th minute, Seluleko Mahlambi forced a sharp save from Denis Onyango with a powerful header. A minute later, the breakthrough arrived. Siphamandla Ngwenya unleashed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Sundowns tried to respond through Nuno Santos and Marcelo Allende, yet Galaxy remained compact and disciplined. On 31 minutes, Mahlambi won a penalty after a foul by Thato Sibiya. Junior Zindoga stepped up and calmly slotted home to double the lead.
After the break, Sundowns introduced Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan Léon and Thapelo Morena in search of a comeback. Morena, Matthews and Malibongwe Khoza were all denied by an outstanding Ira Tapé, while Themba Zwane also saw a close-range effort saved.
Despite late pressure, including a stoppage-time header from Nuno Santos, Galaxy managed the closing stages superbly to secure a famous victory and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Durban City Hold Nerve in Upington Penalty Shootout
At the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Durban City and Upington City battled through 120 minutes without a goal.
Upington were reduced to ten men on 68 minutes when Mario Visagie was sent off for violent conduct, but they showed resilience to force extra time. Durban goalkeeper Darren Keet made a crucial late save to keep his side in the tie.
The match was decided from the spot. Upington missed all four of their penalties, while Emmanuel Jalai and Letsie Koapeng converted for Durban City to seal a 2-0 shootout win and secure their place in the last eight.
