TS Galaxy's Victor Letsoalo celebrates his goal against Milford in the Nedbank Cup semifinal.
Image: BackpagePix
TS Galaxy booked their place in the Nedbank Cup final after edging Milford FC on penalties following a gripping 1-1 draw at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.
The Rockets, returning for a second final in the last seven years, will now face Durban City in the Nedbank Cup final, with a chance to crown a season that has swung between extremes with a major piece of silverware.
Having watched fellow second division side Casric Stars bundled out a day earlier, Milford began with clear intent to keep their fairytale run alive.
It was a contest that evolved from an early smash-and-grab into a tense, evenly balanced battle that ultimately required penalties to separate the sides.
Milford stunned Galaxy after just 11 minutes, scoring against the run of play through a moment of sharp execution.
Full-back Bulelani Singomoshe ignited the move with a powerful run down the flank before delivering a low cross that Siphosethu Ndlabi expertly turned home with a deft backheel finish.
It took Galaxy time but the equaliser eventually came in the 56th minute as experienced striker Victor Letsoalo levelled with a header.
The 33-year-old found room in the box to guide home a Seluleko Mahlambi cross, Milford caught flat-footed at a crucial moment.
Galaxy, however, gradually imposed themselves on the game. They dominated possession for large spells and pushed Milford deeper, but struggled initially to convert that territorial advantage into meaningful chances.
The visitors, disciplined and compact, continued to threaten on the break and looked more clinical in the final third.
As the match wore on, Galaxy’s persistence began to show. Their attacking intent increased, and the pressure eventually told as they restored parity and set up a tense finale.
The equaliser shifted momentum, with Galaxy growing in confidence while Milford were forced to absorb wave after wave of pressure.
By the end of regulation time, the contest was finely balanced, with both sides creating openings but neither able to find a decisive second goal.
Extra time followed a similar pattern — Galaxy probing and Milford resisting — as fatigue crept in and spaces began to open.
Ultimately, penalties were required to settle the semifinal, where Galaxy held their nerve to complete the comeback and secure their passage to the final.