By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Milford FC edged Sekhukhune United 3-2 on penalties to join Casric Stars who snatched a late winner against Amazulu to become the first team to secure their spot in the Nedbank Cup semifinals.
The second division side took revenge on Babina Noko, who knocked them out of the same tournament in last year’s second round.
Goalkeeper and captain Siphamandla Hleza proved to be the hero with two saves in the shootout and burying the final spot kick to send his side to the semifinals for the first time in the club’s history.
Milford broke the deadlock when Bulelani Sigomoshe played a well-weighted pass through to Cheswyn Philander who bent his run to remain onside and coolly tucked the ball into the bottom left corner past Renaldo Leaner.
However, Milford’s lead did not last long as the hosts drew level in the 10th minute. Vusimuzi Mncube’s cross took a looping deflection to meet the run of Lehlohonolo Mojela, who slipped the last defender and headed the ball into the bottom right corner for his fourth goal for the club and second of the Nedbank Cup campaign.
Milford forced Babina Noko into the extra-time after playing to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Babina Noko took the lead in the second-half of the extra-time after netting a second goal with a strike from Olerato Mandi. With a few minutes left before the end of the match, Milford scored a late goal to force the match into a penalty shootout.