In a gripping cup encounter at the Esselen Park Sports Ground on 28 September 2024, Destroyers Football Club faced off against Luso Africa, resulting in a hard-fought 1-1 draw after regular time. However, the match ended in disappointment for the home side as they succumbed to a 4-3 defeat in the penalty shootout, marking the end of their cup run.
The Destroyers deployed a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive stability and attacking flair. Tinyiko Balozi occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four consisting of Kamogelo Makgoshing and Chuene Tlhako playing as right and left defenders, respectively, with Siphesihle Nkosi and Mokgapho Mabasa positioned centrally. Sphiwe Mdluli operated as a lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. Ahead of him, Banele Kumalo and Sandile Wanda flanked the front line as right and left attacking midfielders, while Thabo Malope, Ayanda Mfeka, and Xolani Nkala formed the attacking trio, with Mfeka as the central striker.
The substitutes for the match included Bheki Mabuza, Sibusiso Zunguza, Mmuso Mashabela, and Kagiso Shongwe, ready to make an impact should the need arise during the match.
The action kicked off with an early setback for the Destroyers, as Mokgapho Mabasa received a yellow card just three minutes into the game for a bad tackle. Despite this, the home side pressed on and made attempts to create opportunities, with Banele Kumalo executing a long pass in the fifth minute, although it did not result in a clear chance.
As the first half progressed, Sandile Wanda also tried to make his mark with a long pass in the 26th minute, but again, it failed to create a scoring opportunity. The match continued to be fiercely contested, leading to a second yellow card for the Destroyers, this time for Kamogelo Makgoshing in the 38th minute, further intensifying the competitive atmosphere.
Before the break, Thabo Malope had a chance to put the home side ahead but sent his attempt wide in the 42nd minute, leaving the score level at half-time.
The second half began with immediate action as Sandile Wanda forced a save from the Luso Africa goalkeeper in the 47th minute. Banele Kumalo then had an opportunity of his own just three minutes later, but his shot also went wide. The Destroyers were searching for that elusive goal, and Thabo Malope's efforts in the 55th minute again highlighted their attacking intent.
In the 58th minute, tactical changes began as Thabo Malope was replaced by Bheki Mabuza. Shortly after, Xolani Nkala took a shot in the 59th minute, but it too went wide, showcasing the Destroyers' growing frustration in front of goal.
However, a breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Chuene Tlhako scored with his left foot, converting a short pass from Xolani Nkala inside the box to give the Destroyers the lead. The home crowd erupted with joy as their team took a 1-0 advantage.
The lead was short-lived, however, as Luso Africa equalised in the 82nd minute with a close-range goal, scored with a right foot, leaving both teams level again.
As the match drew to a close, Xolani Nkala attempted to regain the lead in the 84th minute, but his effort went wide. In a dramatic finish, Nkala received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the dying moments of the match, but neither side could find a winner, and the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where the Destroyers fell short, ending their cup journey with a scoreline of 4-3 in favour of Luso Africa. The efforts from both sides were commendable, with Sandile Wanda being recognised as the player of the match for his impressive performance throughout.
