Luphumlo Sifumba's brilliant free kick earned Durban City FC a valuable point in a 1-1 KwaZulu-Natal derby draw with Milford FC on Sunday. The result at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium sees Durban City climb one place to 10th in the Premier Soccer League standings, now with seven points from their opening seven matches.
Frederick Asare was the other hero for the visitors, saving a first-half penalty from Siphosethu Ndlabi. Milford had taken the lead in the 38th minute when Mvelo Zikakayo finished from a Menzi Chili pass following a set piece. Coach Khalil Ben Youssef responded with a double change at the interval, introducing Jean Lwamba and the eventual goalscorer Sifumba, whose impact was immediate.
The substitute curled his set-piece into the net just five minutes after the restart to level the scores. Asare then produced a series of vital stops to preserve the point, most notably denying Jabulile Gxakoshe from close range in the 77th minute and making a breathtaking save in the final minute of normal time.
Key moments
Milford created the clearer early chances. Ndlabi was denied by Asare from the spot in the 29th minute after John Mokone had fouled Gxakoshe. Durban City's best first-half opportunity came from Letsie Koapeng, whose long-range effort flew just over the bar. The introduction of Sifumba changed the game's dynamic, and the team pushed for a winner late on, with Tashreeq Morris seeing two efforts blocked.
The draw extends Durban City's recent form to just one loss in their last five outings. They now face a tough test in their next league fixtures, hosting third-placed AmaZulu on 16 October. The team will hope key players remain available, with current injuries always a factor in squad selection for such a demanding encounter.
Background and full detail: psl.co.za
