Golden Arrows edged by Royal AM in thrilling Durban derby.

The win saw Thwihli Thwahla progress to the quarterfinals of the South African FA Cup and they will now take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a DStv Premiership clash on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Abafana Bes’thende bowed out of the tournament and they are scheduled to lock horns with Swallows FC in a DStv Premiership match on 17 March.

Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges and Thwihli Thwahla upped the tempo after the half-mark with Mokete Mogaila looking lively.

Royal were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute after Mogaila was fouled by goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha and Ricardo Nascimento scored from the spot-kick to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Arrows were then forced to make a change after Mbatha went down injured and he was replaced by Nkosingiphile Mbatha in the 42nd minute and the score was 1-0 to Royal during the halftime break.

Abafana Bes’thende pushed for the equalising goal after the restart with co-coaches Vusumuzi Vilakazi and Mabhuti Khenyeza having introduced Ryan Moon and Nduduzi Sibiya.

Moon made an impact as he set-up Knox Mutizwa who snatched a late equalising goal in stoppage time to ensure that the game ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time and extra time followed.

Levy Mashiane proved to be an inspired substitute in extra-time as the 26-year-old attacker netted in the 100th minute to hand Royal a 2-1 lead with Sedwyn George providing the assist.

Royal finished the game with 10 players as substitute Philani Cele was dismissed for making a dangerous challenge on Moon in the 14th minute.

Despite being numerically advantaged the visitors continued to attack and Mashiane snatched another goal in the 119th minute to seal Royal’s 3-1 win.

Meanwhile Chippa United evaded another giant killing in the Nedbank Cup after they beat Mpheni Home Defenders 2-0 in the round of 16 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday afternoon.