TS Galaxy's Nedbank Cup journey came to an end following a 2-1 loss in extra-time to Durban City on Friday evening.
City named top scorer Joslin Kamatuka on the bench, as Keagan Dolly, Puso Dithejane, Siphesihle Maduna earned a start for the Rockets, who were unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Rockets fancied going ahead in the opening-quarter with a curler by Damir Sovsic from Dzenan Zajmovic's lay-off, but the effort skinned the top of the woodwork.
Nothing of note in so far as moments in attack showed as the two battled to unlock one another and displayed a very tight set of affairs.
Galaxy broke the deadlock five minutes before the break when Zajmovic arrived unmarked in the box and used his chest to knock Dithejane's cross into the back of the net.
Maduna, who had a quiet outing, looked to double the lead a little later but dragged well over the top after unleashing from outside the box.
Galaxy's first introduction from the bench showed minutes from halftime and removed Dolly to summon Sphiwe Mahlangu to the field of play.
Zajmovic looked to double Galaxy's lead with under 20 minutes to go, but saw his stray shot from the centre of the box following a cutback blocked away.
City were on level ten minutes later when the well-travelled Ruzaigh Gamildien charged down the right and crossed to fellow substitute Kamatuka to tap in.
The Team of Choice started on the back-foot in extra-time as the Rockets had a penalty appeal from a hand-ball and goal from Thokozani Sibanyoni disallowed in the same breath.
However, the host remained themselves amidst the pressure and were in the lead in the second half of extra-time through a well-taken finish from the box by Senzo Ndlovu.
Defender Samukele Kabini looked to level with a snap shot from a tight angle, but Mtshali palmed and helped his side cause the first upset in this year's tournament.
Confirmed line-ups:
Durban City: Mtshali, Ndlovu, Nzuza, Mdakane, Slawula, Hlangabeza, Bakah, Gaxa, Chonco, Ndwandwe, Nkosi
Subs: Mzimela, Nyulu, Tshanini, Mbidana, Ndlovu, Kamatuka, Magawana, Gamildien, Jodwana
TS Galaxy: Ciupa, Sebelebele, Seema, Kabini, Letsoenyo, Mbunjana, Maduna, Sovsic, Dolly, Zajmovic, Dithejane
Subs: Ira, Masiya, Ndamane, Sibande, Mgaga, Mbatha, Sibanyoni, Letsoalo, Mahlangu