Hat-Trick Hero Fezile Gcaba Fires Durban City into Carling Knockout Quarterfinals

Hat-Trick Hero Fezile Gcaba Fires Durban City into Carling Knockout Quarterfinals

Durban City secured their spot as the first team in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout after a dramatic 4-1 victory over Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday night.

In their debut campaign since rebranding from Maritzburg United, Durban City left it late but ultimately delivered a performance defined by one spectacular player: defender Fezile Gcaba.

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Gcaba’s Early Dominance and Late Drama

Durban City started the match with intent, and it was Gcaba who broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. The defender rose emphatically to connect with a quality cross from Sizwe Magawana, directing a powerful header into the far corner.

City looked to build on their lead, with Gcaba narrowly missing a second goal later in the half, suggesting his aerial threat was going to be a theme of the night.

The second half saw a tactical shift from Rise and Shine coach Phuti Mohafe, who introduced a triple substitution in a desperate bid to turn the tide. The changes injected life into Polokwane’s attack, but the Durban City defense held firm, appearing set to see out the win.

That being said, the visitors were thrown a lifeline in the 87th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a handball in the box. Lebohang Nkaki stepped up and coolly slotted the equalizer, forcing the match into a tense period of extra time.

Extra Time Masterclass Seals the Win

Polokwane City’s momentum and hope were extinguished almost immediately in the first period of extra time. Just three minutes after the restart, City defender Nzuzo Mkhize produced a stunning acrobatic finish to put the hosts back in front at 2-1.

From that moment on, the game belonged to Durban City and Gcaba. The defender, playing with the confidence of an elite striker, completed his sensational night with two quick-fire goals to secure an unprecedented hat-trick for a centre-back.

First, he combined masterfully with Katlego Maphathe before unleashing a fierce shot into the top corner. Not content with that, Gcaba completed his incredible feat with another demonstration of his aerial prowess, rising high to power home a header from a corner kick.

The 4-1 triumph confirms Durban City’s status as a serious contender in the Carling Knockout, having navigated a tough opening round thanks largely to the extraordinary goal-scoring exploits of their hat-trick hero, Fezile Gcaba.