In a night of dramatic football theatre at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, Washington Arubi, the veteran goalkeeper for Marumo Gallants, delivered a performance for the ages, rescuing his side with a string of penalty saves and even scoring one himself to secure a 7–6 shootout victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
The result booked Marumo Gallants’ place in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout Competition, ending Sundowns’ aspirations for another domestic cup and leaving fans and pundits talking about one of the most remarkable individual performances in recent South African football.
Arubi was the clear protagonist in an encounter that showcased grit, drama, and raw determination. Over 90 minutes of regulation time, the Zimbabwean shot-stopper produced a series of crucial saves to keep a clean sheet, denying Sundowns repeated efforts to break through. His agility, sharp reflexes, and unwavering concentration kept the defending champions at bay, forcing the tie into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The quarterfinal contest itself had been a tense affair, with both sides exhibiting disciplined defending and cautious attacking play. Sundowns, renowned for their fluid attacking style and technical prowess, found themselves thwarted repeatedly by Arubi’s positional sense and commanding presence in goal. Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants played with a blend of resilience and opportunism, waiting for their moment to strike.
That moment came in the penalty shootout, where Arubi cemented his place as the night’s hero. The veteran produced three stunning penalty saves, frustrating Sundowns and shifting the psychological edge firmly in Gallants’ favour. But the drama didn’t end there. In a rare twist, Arubi stepped up to take a penalty himself — and converted with clinical precision, sending the Gallants supporters into raptures.
Arubi’s Heroics Propel Marumo Gallants to Carling Knockout Semifinals
The shootout ended in a tense 7–6 win for Marumo Gallants, a result that sent players and fans alike into celebration. For Arubi, the night was an affirmation of his enduring quality between the posts and his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.
“This was a special night,” Arubi said afterwards. “We went into the match knowing it would be tough, but we believed in ourselves. My job is to give my team the confidence to push forward, and tonight it paid off. Saving penalties is always about focus and mental strength. I am just happy I could help my team reach the semifinals.”
Despite Arubi’s monumental contribution, the official Man of the Match award went to Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews, a decision that surprised many observers given the Zimbabwean’s heroics. Matthews had impressed during regulation time with flashes of creativity and pace, creating opportunities for his side, but Arubi’s performance arguably stole the spotlight.
The decision sparked debate among supporters and analysts, with many praising Arubi’s composure and match-winning saves as the defining factor in the game. Social media lit up with praise for the goalkeeper, hailing him as “the true hero of Lucas Moripe” and “the saviour of the night.”
For Marumo Gallants, the victory is a milestone in their Carling Knockout journey. Progressing to the semifinals gives them a chance to challenge for silverware and proves their resilience against stronger opposition. Head coach Dylan Kerr lauded his goalkeeper and the collective spirit of the squad.
“Washington showed why he is one of the best in the league,” Kerr said. “He kept us in the game and gave us that extra edge in the shootout. This is what teamwork is about — everyone stepping up. Tonight belongs to him and to the whole Gallants family.”
The win now sets up a tantalising semifinal for Marumo Gallants, where they will face a tough opponent who will no doubt be aware of the threat posed by their goalkeeper. Arubi’s display has already sent a message to the rest of the competition: he is a man who thrives under pressure and whose presence could prove decisive again.
For the supporters, Saturday’s encounter will be remembered as one of those rare nights when a single player changes the course of a game — not just with skill, but with courage and resolve. Washington Arubi’s penalty shootout heroics have etched his name firmly into the annals of Marumo Gallants history, and in South African football folklore.
As the Gallants prepare for their semifinal clash, all eyes will be on Arubi, whose performance has become the stuff of legend and a reminder that in football, heroes are often forged in moments of intense pressure and decisive action.
Source- ZBChttps://zinews24.com/zimbabwean-mp-proposes-mandatory-dna/
