Magesi FC claimed a shock 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout final, played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday evening.
Dikwena tsa Meetse, playing in their first major cup final, were massive underdogs and looked likely to suffer defeat when the Brazilians claimed a first-half lead via Iqraam Rayners.
But a spirited and tactically-astute second-half showing brought goals from Tshepo Kakora and Delano Abrahams, as Magesi secured both a famous triumph and their first piece of top-flight silverware.
Sundowns bossed the game from the early minutes and Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze made notable saves from Teboho Mokoena and Peter Shalulile inside the opening half hour, as the Tshwane side looked to pick holes in their opponent’s defence.
The Brazilians eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, with Lucas Ribeiro’s excellent pass finding Iqraam Rayners in the penalty area – the striker then opened up his body and curled a shot beyond the reach of Chipezeze for 1-0, as well as his fourth goal of the tournament.
A goal up at the break, Sundowns appeared to be in total control of the match, but three minutes into the second half Dikwena tsa Meetse claimed an equaliser.
Edmore Chirambadare did great work down the left flank before clipping a cross to the back post, allowing Tshepo Kakora to score with a down-ward header for 1-1.
Magesi went on to create a spell of pressure around the midway point of the second half, before ‘Downs shuffled their pack with 15 minutes of regulation time to play, bringing on Thapelo Morena, Neo Maema and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
However, the Limpopo side stunned their illustrious opponents with a second goal, arriving on 87 minutes. A flick-on from a corner kick fell for the late-arriving Delano Abrahams, and he provided an unorthodox but effective finish with his knee for 2-1.
In response, Sundowns threw everything but the kitchen sink at Magesi’s defence in what remained of the game, but the underdogs held firm for a famous cup final victory.
Sundowns will be back in action as early as Tuesday evening, as they host AS Maniema Union in their opening CAF Champions League group stage match, while Magesi will next face Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Saturday 30 November.
Magesi FC (0) 2 (Kakora 48’, Abrahams 87’)
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Rayners 36’)
Magesi: Chipezeze, Abrahams, L. Mokone, Mzava, J. Mokone, Darpoh, Mekoa, Mashigo (Rademeyer 90+3’), Kakora (Masegela 78’), Chirambadare (Matima 90’), Makhubu
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau (Morena 75’), Kekana, Mvala, Modiba (Sales 90+2’), Aubaas (Maema 75’), Allende, Mokoena, Ribeiro, Shalulile (Letlhaku 75’), Rayners
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