POLOKWANE — A roaring crowd of 10,000 football fans turned the New Peter Mokaba Stadium into a cauldron of noise and colour as underdogs Durban City FC stunned TS Galaxy 2-1 to lift the 2026 Nedbank Cup, ending a 17-year wait for major silverware in KwaZulu-Natal.
The final, billed as a clash of unlikely contenders, delivered drama both on and off the pitch. Pre-match performances by Makhadzi and Shandesh electrified the stadium, setting the tone for a pulsating night in Polokwane.
Durban City began brightly, dominating possession and pressing high, but failed to convert early chances. TS Galaxy capitalised just before halftime when a defensive mishap resulted in an own goal, handing them a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half told a different story. Durban City returned with urgency and purpose, and their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when defender Mfanafuthi Mkhize powered home the equaliser, igniting celebrations among the travelling supporters.Momentum shifted decisively in Durban City’s favour, and in the 70th minute, Jean Lwamba completed his redemption arc with a clinical finish to make it 2-1.
From there, disciplined midfield control and resolute defending ensured they held off Galaxy’s late surge.The victory not only secures Durban City a R7 million prize but also a coveted place in the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026/27 season.
As the final whistle echoed across the stadium, history was written — a night where belief, resilience, and the spirit of the underdog triumphed on South African football’s grand stage.
