TS Galaxy had to sweat for a 4-3 win over Milford FC on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in the Nedbank Cup semifinal at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Rockets, the 2019 champions, booked their place in the final for the second time in the club’s history and will now face their top-tier rivals, Durban City, in the showpiece on May 2. Coach Adnan Beganovic and his players have already shifted focus to their Betway Premiership fixture against Polokwane City on April 8.

For the Stallions, the dream run in South Africa’s biggest cup competition came to a heartbreaking end. Coach Xanti Pupuma’s side will now turn their full attention to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, where they face title rivals Casric Stars on 8 April as they chase promotion to the top flight.

Bulelani Sigomoshe was one of the standout players to watch, having already contributed three assists and a goal in his previous two Nedbank Cup matches for the Stallions heading into their encounter against the Rockets.

The 25-year-old winger was heavily involved in the opening goal, delivering a dangerous run and precise cross in the 11th minute that allowed Siphosethu Ndlabi to turn the ball home from close range as Milford stunned the Betway Premiership side.

The second-tier outfit went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

The introduction of inspirational captain Mlungisi Mbunjana injected fresh energy into the Rockets and 11 minutes into the second half, Victory Letsoalo rose to turn home a pinpoint cross from Seluleko Mahlambi, levelling the score at 1-1.

The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, with neither side able to find a winner in extra time, sending the match to a tense penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Tape Ira saved two spot-kicks before Patrick Fisher converted to hand Galaxy a 4-3 win on penalties.

Galaxy (0) 1 (Ndlabi 11')

Milford (1) 1 (Letsoalo 56')

GALAXY: Ira, Letsoenyo, Silva, Mahlangu (Zulu 46'), Fisher, Mvelase (Mbunjana 46'), Maduna (Mgaga 78'), Kakora (Ngwenya 102'), Letsoalo, Zindoga (Keita 70'), Mahlambi (George 105'+1)

MILFORD: Hleza (Madondo 91'), Mkhize (Sibiya 67'), Mthethwa, Mdluli, Cele, Khwanya, Bhengu, Ndlabi (Philander 54'), Sigomoshe (Mbunga 54'), Zikakayo (Gxakoshe 54'), Chili (Mthabela 79')