The highly anticipated 2026 Nedbank Cup final saw Durban City triumph over TS Galaxy with a dramatic 2-1 victory at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. The kick-off for this exciting encounter was scheduled for 18:00. Both teams presented strong starting line-ups: Durban City featured Keet, Gcaba, Ncanana, Mkhize, Mashego, Poggenpoel, Mokwena, Jurgens, Domingo, Maseko, and Lubumba. TS Galaxy countered with Ira, Kakora, Mbunjana, Silva, Letsoenyo, Mvelase, Maduna, Zindoga, Mcwango, Letsoalo, and Mahlambi.

Heading into the final, Durban City occupied the 7th position in the Betway Premiership, while TS Galaxy was placed 12th. However, league form often holds less weight in the high-stakes environment of cup football, and this match was poised to be a tense, 'one-shot-at-glory' affair. An interesting backdrop to the final was that both clubs arrived under interim leadership, a situation reflecting turbulent seasons for both on and off the pitch.

Durban City's journey to the final was anything but smooth. They experienced a season with four different coaches, including seasoned names like Gavin Hunt and Sinethemba Badela, before Pitso Dladla took the helm to stabilize the team. Their spot in the final was secured with a narrow 1-0 victory over Casric Stars in the semi-finals, following a nerve-wracking penalty shootout win against Golden Arrows in earlier rounds. This final represented a significant opportunity for the Citizens to claim their first major trophy and end a 17-year wait for silverware in KwaZulu-Natal. Notably, Durban City had already defeated TS Galaxy twice in the league during the season, both matches ending 2-0.

TS Galaxy's path to the final also had its share of drama. They overcame Milford FC in the semi-finals via penalties after a 1-1 draw. Previous rounds, however, showcased commanding wins, clean sheets, and notable victories against strong opponents such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants. TS Galaxy carried the experience of having won the competition before, having famously stunned Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the 2019 final while still a second-tier side, a feat widely considered one of the biggest upsets in South African football history.

The final match itself proved to be a dramatic spectacle. Durban City started strongly, dominating possession in the first half. Despite their promising start, they found themselves trailing at halftime due to an unfortunate moment for Congolese striker Jean Lwamba, who scored an own goal, handing TS Galaxy the lead. The second half, however, saw a remarkable turnaround. The Citizens emerged with renewed urgency and purpose, putting considerable pressure on Galaxy's defense.

The breakthrough for Durban City came just before the hour mark when Mfanafuthi Mkhize arrived unmarked at the back post to tap home from Luphumlo Sifumba’s low delivery, leveling the score. With just over ten minutes remaining, Jean Lwamba, seeking redemption, stepped up to rewrite his narrative. Picking up the ball in space, he unleashed a stunning outside-of-the-boot effort that looped over TS Galaxy's goalkeeper Ira Tape and nestled into the net. This moment completed a dramatic turnaround, transforming Lwamba from own-goal scorer to match-winner.

At the final whistle, Durban City had made history, securing their first major trophy. This momentous occasion will be remembered long in the club's annals and marked a significant breakthrough for interim coach Pitso Dladla, who not only guided the team to cup glory but also led them to promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship in the previous season. The victory ended the long wait for silverware in KwaZulu-Natal and solidified Durban City's place in South African football history.