With this major upset, Brabrand matched their best-ever performance in the cup tournament, last achieved in 2024 when they reached the quarter-finals following victories over both FC Nordsjaelland and Randers FC.
In this year’s tournament, Brabrand first defeated Viborg FF 2–1, and now it was Horsens’ turn to be knocked out of the cup by the 2nd Division club.
Brabrand’s stadium lacks floodlights, meaning the match had to be concluded before the autumn darkness set in. Among the home side’s starting lineup was Oscar Mandrup, for whom the match held special significance.
Currently on loan from AC Horsens, he faced off against his twin brother, Anton Mandrup, who started for the visitors. As expected, Horsens applied heavy pressure from the outset, but Brabrand held firm, keeping a clean sheet until halftime.
In the second half, Brabrand managed to create a few significant chances of their own, while Horsens continued to struggle to break through the home side’s defense.
Cheers erupted in the stands just minutes into extra time when Brabrand's Mikkel Frandsen connected with a cross from Elias Astola and put the ball in the net.
From that point on, it was a matter of holding firm for Brabrand, who defended their lead admirably.
With only a few minutes remaining, the task became even tougher when Brabrand’s Rasmus Juul—who had played a strong match—was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
However, even with a numerical advantage, AC Horsens failed to find the back of the net as Brabrand's fairytale continues in the quarter-final.