Washington Arubi The Hero As Marumo Gallants Book Carling Cup Final Spot

Veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi was once again the hero for Marumo Gallants as they edged Golden Arrows 4-2 on penalties to reach the Carling Knockout Cup final at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

After a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time, Gallants held their nerve in the shootout to secure a second domestic cup final appearance in three years. Arubi, the 38-year-old Zimbabwean shot-stopper, made a crucial save to deny Thabo Matlaba before Ibrahim Bance coolly slotted home the winning penalty that sealed Gallants’ passage to the final against Orlando Pirates.

The semi-final started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out in a tactical first half. Golden Arrows showed more attacking intent after the restart and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Isaac Cisse scrambled home from a corner to make it 1-0.

Their lead, however, lasted just two minutes. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo levelled matters with a stunning solo effort, weaving through the Arrows defence before finding the bottom corner.

Moments later, Gallants turned the game on its head with a spectacular long-range strike from Sekela Sithole, who caught goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo off his line with a perfectly measured effort from near the halfway line.

But Arrows refused to go quietly. Nqubeko Dlamini restored parity in the 70th minute after a neat exchange with Sede Dion, curling his shot into the top corner to make it 2-2 and send the match into extra time.

With both teams tiring, chances were limited in the added period, and penalties became inevitable. Gallants kept their composure when it mattered most, converting four of their spot kicks, while Arubi’s crucial save proved decisive.

The victory keeps Gallants’ dream alive as they prepare for another crack at silverware, their resilience, belief, and the brilliance of their veteran goalkeeper once again driving them to glory.