Defending champions Marumo Gallants are into the Nedbank Cup final after beating Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1-0 in the semi-final at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Friday night.
It was the first-ever official meeting between the two Limpopo sides with a connected history. and in fact, Gallants won the trophy last season, when they were still known as Tshakhuma.
Tshakhuma 0-1 Marumo Gallants
While Gallants controlled the possession, it was the GladAfrica Championship side who had the early chances. Rhulani Manzini went wide in the eighth minute, while Nicholas Motloung’s header was off target two minutes later. Rendandi Ndou forced a save out of King Ndlovu in the 13th minute.
Joseph Malongoane was off target for Gallants in the 22nd minute, before Ndlovu saved again from Ndou at the other end two minutes later. Manzini went just wide from a set-piece on the half-hour mark and missed again with a headed attempt in the 35th minute.
Manzini went even closer in stoppage time, but this time his powerfully taken free-kick struck the crossbar and at the break, it remained goalless.Â
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Celimpilo Ngema was off target in the 52nd minute, while Phuti Motebejane went wide in the 56th minute for the home team.
Tshepo Gumede’s unmarked header in the 62nd minute flew narrowly over Gershin Kock’s goal.
Gallants were in the lead in the 64th minute, as Thato Khiba’s cross took a nasty deflection off Luvolwethu Mpeta, and Kock was beaten to make 1-0.
Kock was tested in the 71st minute by Phillip Ndlondo’s effort from long range, but the TTM keeper was able to tip it over.
Manzini was wayward with a free kick in the 75th minute.
After just being substituted, Katlego Otladisa was shown a red card in the 81st minute for something he said, and while it didn’t affect the numbers on the pitch, the Gallants man will be suspended for two games.
One minute into second-half stoppage time Manzini tried another free-kick shot, but this time it went just wide. Manzini had one last effort with a final free-kick attempt just before full-time, but while on target it was cleared by the defence and Gallants were victorious.
Mamelodi Sundowns face Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday evening in the other semi, to find out who will play Dan Malesela’s team in the final.
