The semi-final in Durban ended 2-2 after extra time, and it was Gallants’ composure in the shootout that ultimately proved decisive. Their previous experience from knocking out Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties in the League Cup round of 16 certainly helped.

It was a heart-breaking finish for Arrows, who arguably deserved the win on the day. Just a week earlier, they had hammered the same Gallants 4-0 in a Premier Soccer League clash at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Alexandre Lafitte and Washington Arubi - Morgan Piek

Arrows dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes but failed to trouble the Marumo defence. At the other end, Xolani Ngcobo was called into action a couple of times, as Gallants made their attacking presence felt.

Gallants looked particularly dangerous from set-pieces, especially free-kicks on the edge of the area. While both teams created chances in the run-up to the interval, the first half ended goalless.

The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Arrows took the lead through Isaac Cissé, who slotted a loose ball into the net following sloppy Marumo defending from a corner.

But Marumo responded almost immediately, with the diminutive Phillip Ndlondlo equalising just two minutes later, before Christopher Sithole put them ahead another two minutes on with a thumping long-range effort on goal.

Arrows restored parity in the 70th minute after slick passing carved open the Gallants’ defence. With the visitors on the back foot, goalkeeper Washington Arubi could only watch as Nqobeko Dlamini curled a classy left-footed strike into the net.

In stoppage time, Arrows came agonisingly close to snatching the winner when former Marumo loanee Junior Dion forced a spectacular save from Arubi following a corner. Arrows dominated extra time, creating numerous chances, but the Marumo defence held firm.

The 40-year-old Washington Arubi - Morgan Piek

When the game went to penalties, Arubi was once again the hero, saving attempts from Brandon Theron and Thabo Matlaba, while Ibrahim Bance converted the decisive spot-kick to send Marumo through to the final. They will face Orlando Pirates, who themselves defeated Richards Bay 1-0 24 hours earlier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

For Marumo, it is their first-ever League Cup final. They will become the 30th different team to contest the championship when they take on the Buccaneers at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in December.

Following the win, 28-year-old Marumo coach Alexandre Lafitte described the result as “fantastic” for his team, while admitting it was a challenging week in Durban.

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“It’s a fantastic result for the team, for the club, and I’m very happy that we’re going to the final,” said the decorated French tactician.

“Honestly, it was a difficult game with different moments. During the 90 minutes, I thought we played very well. It was unfortunate to concede the second goal because we had the ability to win 2-1, and extra time was tough.

“It was difficult, notably as the players’ intensity dropped, but I liked the mindset of my team to hold the score and take it to penalties. I’m very happy we won on penalties, because we do enjoy these moments.”

The 2025 Carling Knockout Cup final is scheduled for 6 December, with kick-off time to be confirmed by the PSL.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport