JOHANNESBURG, Oct 5, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Washington Arubi, the 40-year-old Zimbabwe goalkeeper, was the hero as Marumo Gallants stunned Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in the South African League Cup by winning on penalties.

He saved three spot kicks, two with an outstretched leg, then converted the penalty that gave Marumo a 7-6 victory in the first round tie after a 0-0 draw following extra time.

Sundowns have dominated domestic football for almost a decade, winning the last eight editions of the league, and have become serious contenders each season for the CAF Champions League.

Marumo came to Pretoria for the cup tie having failed to win in seven league matches under 28-year-old French coach Alexandre Lafitte, the youngest among the 16 top-flight clubs.

Well-organised Marumo gave Sundowns few chances to score and the home side were reduced to 10 men just before the end of regular time when Portuguese debutant Miguel Reisinho was shown a straight red card.

Extra time was no different with the visitors containing the 2024-25 CAF Champions League runners-up and, with the shootout tied at 6-6, Arubi beat fellow captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from the spot.

Elsewhere, a brilliant goal by the star of the current season, Orlando Pirates' 20-year-old captain and centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, earned the Soweto club a 1-0 home win over Siwelele.

Mbokazi struck on 87 minutes, gaining possession in the centre circle, then unleashing a thunderbolt from well outside the box that flew into the net past helpless goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.

Bradley Grobler, a 37-year-old striker, scored his 126th goal in all competitions, but his Sekhukhune United side fell 3-1 away to Golden Arrows.

The goal should have been disallowed as TV replays showed Grobler using his arm to guide a cross into the net in wet and windy Durban.

Arrows then took advantage of some poor goalkeeping by Zambian Toaster Nsabata to score through Jerome Karlese, Ayabulela Maxwele and Ayanda Jiyane and book a quarter-finals place.

Holders Magesi begin their defence of the title away to AmaZulu in Durban on Sunday.