They came from behind to beat TS Galaxy 2-1 in the final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The team from KwaZulu-Natal had early chances but couldn’t convert. 

Midway through the first half, Galaxy started to make their presence felt on the field. In the 43rd minute, Galaxy went ahead thanks to Seluleko Mahlmabi, who bundled the ball over the line from close range. 

Galaxy went into the sheds with a 1-0 lead at halftime and were no doubt comfortable that their quest for a second Nedbank Cup title was on track.

But the Citizens came out after the restart, showing resolute determination to get themselves back into the contest. Central defended, Mfanafuthi Mkhize levelled the score in the 57th minute after a cleverly taken quick free-kick. 

The Citizens scored the winner in the 71st minute, when Jean Lwamba struck with a brilliant effort from the edge of the big box, curling the ball with the outside of his right foot on the half-volley over and around the Galaxy goalkeeper.

It was the KZN outfit’s first major trophy, having also reached the final of the competition in 2018 under their former guise as Maritzburg United, only to suffer a 1-0 defeat to now-defunct Free State Stars.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg