In a dramatic encounter, Panorama's ambitious quest for a prestigious double was thwarted by a resilient Randburg team.

Despite Panorama's recent title victory by the slenderest of margins—goal difference—they were deemed clear underdogs. They faced an opponent that enjoyed the distinct advantage of having played every game on familiar ground, including the final. Olgiati went for the risky decision to play Mushore as goalkeeper, fresh off his own recovery from an injury sustained on these very pitches a few weeks prior.

Additionally, with Almeida not at peak fitness, Panorama had to readjust their midfield strategy. Liu was brought back into the defensive midfield position, with Gonçalves returning to join Bailey at the heart of play. Egbers was positioned on the right, while Lindsay made a one-off appearance before a scheduled operation that would rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Randburg made a formidable start, exploiting their superior fitness levels, and attempted to bypass Panorama's advanced defensive line with direct long balls. However, the defensive efforts of O'Sullivan, paired with Benites's crucial tackles, kept the Randburg attacks at bay. Neale and Ho Lam, despite facing speedy wingers, managed to hold their own. Even after Gonçalves received a debatable sin bin penalty, Panorama kept pace with Randburg.

Although Panorama created several promising opportunities, Randburg broke the deadlock with a simple tap-in following a corner kick.

The tide appeared to turn in the second half with the introduction of Olgiati and Almeida. Panorama shuffled positions, moving Egbers around and substituting Liu into the goalkeeper's spot. They were rewarded when Olgiati unleashed a spectacular volley from distance, which the goalkeeper could only parry, allowing Lindsay to seize the moment and equalize.

However, Panorama's resurgence was disrupted by a controversial decision that saw Bailey receive a sin bin penalty. The situation deteriorated further when Liu received a red card for a professional foul, reducing Panorama to nine men. Ho Lam became the third player to don the goalkeeper's gloves for Panorama—a testament to their tumultuous season in that position. As the game approached the possibility of penalties, Panorama's resistance was finally breached. A stroke of misfortune resulted in O'Sullivan conceding an own goal, followed by Randburg sealing their victory with a swift counter-attack as Panorama desperately sought an equalizer.

Randburg emerged as champions, securing their second league cup of the year and exacting a measure of retribution after finishing behind Panorama in the league standings over the past two seasons.

Despite a gallant display from Panorama, pushing their limits until the final whistle, it was not to be their night of triumph.

Some stats from the game

• This was the 34th encounter between the two teams, with Randburg winning 2 consecutive encounters for the first time since 2017
• This was only Panorama's first loss in a cup final after winning the previous 5
• Lindsay scored his 50th career goal after playing for the first time in nearly 5 months, while Olgiati reached 99 career assits, getting closer to triple digits
• For the first time in 12 games, Mdunge didn't score or provided and assist, stopping his streak just 3 short of Olgiati's overall record of 15