TS Galaxy scrape past Milford on penalties to reach second Nedbank Cup final

The lower division side started brightly, running hard and closing down spaces whilst looking good when on the ball but almost fell behind to a MacBeth Mahlangu free header in the sixth minute.

However, the Motsepe Foundation Championship team took a deserved lead five minutes later as Siphosethu Ndlabi cleverly flicked a Bulelani Sigomushe cross into the net after the latter's surging run from his own half.

The home side struggled to deal with the energetic Milford opposition who looked threatening and dominated the first half but could not carve out clearer chances.

The Rockets made changes at half-time, introducing influential captain Mlungisi Mbunjana as they looked to forge a way back into the match following a disappointing first half performance.

Coach Adnan Beganovic's changes were justified shortly afterwards as Galaxy began to dominate and create chances before Victor Letsoalo headed home to equalize in the 53rd minute.

Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza was forced to make some critical saves late in the half as his team forced the Betway Premiership side into extra-time but injured himself in the process and was replaced.

Both teams tried hard to break the deadlock in extra-time but poor and panicky finishing in the final third meant the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with substitute Milford shot stopping making telling saves to force the tie into penalties.

TS Galaxy wer able to hold their nerve to win the penalty shoot-out 4-3 in sudden death after numerous misses from both sides.

The Mpumalanga based club will face Durban City in their second Nedbank Cup final, having won the competition in 2019, when they still competed in the National First Division. 

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