Gallants became the first team to secure a spot in the next stage of South Africa’s biggest and most lucrative cup competition, earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

In the tournament's opening match, Marumo Gallants left it late to break the deadlock and clinch victory as the game seemed destined for a draw. Substitute Monde Mphambaniso delivered the decisive goal in stoppage time, to seal the win.

?? N???????????? C???? ??

Marumo Gallants are through to the #NedbankCup Last 16 following their 1??0? victory over Pretoria Callies in Atteridgeville!#SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/qzFJdEUBSc

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) January 24, 2025

The breakthrough came after a powerful shot from Daniel Msendami was parried by Callies goalkeeper King Ndlovu. The rebound fell kindly for Mphambaniso, who made no mistake in finishing and separating the two sides.

Earlier in the match, Gallants faced adversity when Siyabulela Shai received a red card, leaving the team with ten men. However, the resilient Bahlabane ba Ntwa defied the numerical disadvantage to secure a famous victory and become the first team to qualify for the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

On Saturday another team from the Free State will be in action during the Round of 32 when the Welkom-based Sibanye Golden Stars face the PSL champions and leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. This game in the Capital City will kick-off at 18:00.

??? C????CH'?? R????C??????N ???

??? "???? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????? ??????????????????"

Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela following their 1??0? win over Pretoria Callies in the #NedbankCup!#SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/3giEeICUFn

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) January 24, 2025

Other Fixtures

Saturday, 25 January:

15:00 – Golden Arrows vs. Chippa United

15:00 – Umvoti FC vs. Baroka FC

15:00 – Venda FC vs. Cape Town Spurs

15:00 – Lerumo Lions vs. Durban City FC

18:00 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Sibanye Golden Stars

Sunday,26 January:

15:00 – Richards Bay vs. Orlando Pirates

15:00 - Mpheni Home Defenders vs. Hungry Lions FC

15:00 - Polokwane City vs. The Bees FC

18:00 - Kaizer Chiefs vs. Free Agents FC

Monday, 27 January:

19:00 - Royal AM vs. Milford FC (called off)

19:00 - Sekhukhune United vs. Cape Town City

Tuesday, 28 January:

19:00 - AmaZulu FC vs. Mighty Eagles FC

19:00 - Stellenbosch FC vs. Kruger United FC

19:00 - Magesi FC vs. SuperSport United

Wednesday, 29 January:

19:00 - TS Galaxy FC vs. CR Vasco Da Gama

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg