Gallants Set Up Carling Knockout Cup Final with Pirates

Marumo Gallants have booked their spot in the Carling Knockout Cup final after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Golden Arrows at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 9 November.

The thrilling semi-final ended 2-2 after extra time, but Gallants eventually triumphed 4-2 on penalties thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who made two crucial saves in the shootout.

Arrows had taken an early lead through Isaac Cisse before Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo equalised. Sekela Sithole’s long-range strike at the 58th-minute mark then gave Gallants the advantage, but Nqobeko Dlamini’s curling finish sent the game into extra time.

Gallants’ victory sets the stage for a daunting final clash with Orlando Pirates on 6 December. The Buccaneers edged Richards Bay 1-0 in their weekend semi-final to reach their tenth domestic final.

The Johannesburg-based sea robbers will be eager to lift silverware after their recent CAF Champions League exit, while Gallants are chasing their first major cup triumph.

Both sides head into the final with contrasting motivations – Bucs seeking redemption and Gallants aiming for history – in what promises to be a fiercely contested showdown.

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