The 2026 Nedbank Cup produced one of its most astonishing rounds yet as both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were sent packing in a jaw‑dropping Last‑16 shake‑up.
Orlando Pirates 0 – 0 Casric Stars
Competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Casric held the Buccaneers to a goalless draw through 120 minutes.
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Pirates dominated large spells but were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Tshigwana Mthombeni, who produced a resilient display between the posts.
Mlungisi Zwane fired narrowly wide from 25 metres early on, while Andre De Jong, making his second consecutive Nedbank Cup start, failed to convert a Deon Hotto cross in the first half.
Samuel Nana tested Sipho Chaine after the interval, and in the 52nd minute Mthombeni spilled a tame effort from Relebohile Mofokeng before recovering to deny De Jong on the rebound.
Further chances fell to De Jong and Tshepang Moremi around the hour mark, and Hotto dragged a left-footed attempt wide. Moremi struck the crossbar in stoppage time, while Masindi Nemtanjela’s late effort was blocked.
After extra time produced no breakthrough, the shootout proved decisive. Nkosikhona Ndaba dragged Pirates’ 13th penalty wide, and Zebulon Mtshweni calmly beat Chaine to seal a famous victory for the visitors.
Golden Arrows 1-0 Stellenbosch
Golden Arrows booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch on Saturday evening in wet conditions.
Abafana Besthende made a single change from their win over Magesi FC, with Nqubeko Dlamini replacing Isaac Cisse. Stellenbosch, known as the Maroons, recalled Henri Stanic, Omega Mdaka and Ashley Cupido to the starting line-up.
The visitors started brightly, as Cupido tested goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa with a sharp near-post effort. Devon Titus also tried his luck from range, forcing another save, before seeing a low strike kept out before the interval.
Arrows responded through Dlamini and Ayabulela Maxwele, but neither could fashion a clear opening.
After the break, Mdaka’s shot was parried away, while Stellenbosch were denied a penalty following a handball by Ayanda Jiyane, much to the frustration of coach Gavin Hunt.
Arrows struck decisively in the 66th minute when Angelo Van Rooi side-footed home from close range. A late red card for Thabo Moloisane ended Stellenbosch’s hopes as Arrows held firm to progress.
Galaxy Strike Early and Silence Sundowns
At the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaNdebele, TS Galaxy showed intent from the first whistle against heavy favourites Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns started brightly, winning an early free-kick after Tsiki Ntsabeleng was fouled inside three minutes. Miguel Reisinho fired over from distance, while Peter Shalulile and Victor Letsoalo were both flagged offside in a lively opening spell.
But Galaxy settled quickly. In the 18th minute, Seluleko Mahlambi forced a sharp save from Denis Onyango with a powerful header. A minute later, the breakthrough arrived. Siphamandla Ngwenya unleashed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Sundowns tried to respond through Nuno Santos and Marcelo Allende, yet Galaxy remained compact and disciplined. On 31 minutes, Mahlambi won a penalty after a foul by Thato Sibiya. Junior Zindoga stepped up and calmly slotted home to double the lead.
After the break, Sundowns introduced Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan Léon and Thapelo Morena in search of a comeback. Morena, Matthews and Malibongwe Khoza were all denied by an outstanding Ira Tapé, while Themba Zwane also saw a close-range effort saved.
Despite late pressure, including a stoppage-time header from Nuno Santos, Galaxy managed the closing stages superbly to secure a famous victory and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Durban City Hold Nerve in Upington Penalty Shootout
At the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Durban City and Upington City battled through 120 minutes without a goal.
Upington were reduced to ten men on 68 minutes when Mario Visagie was sent off for violent conduct, but they showed resilience to force extra time. Durban goalkeeper Darren Keet made a crucial late save to keep his side in the tie.
The match was decided from the spot. Upington missed all four of their penalties, while Emmanuel Jalai and Letsie Koapeng converted for Durban City to seal a 2-0 shootout win and secure their place in the last eight.