Orlando Pirates‘ reign as the “Cup Kings” came to a shocking end on Saturday as they were eliminated from the Carling Knockout Cup in the opening round by Magesi FC.
The reigning MTN8 champions entered the match at Orlando Stadium as heavy favorites, but Magesi, making their top-flight cup debut under Clinton Larsen, pulled off a stunning upset.
Despite struggling to maintain possession early on, the visitors took the lead through Delano Abrahams’ header in the 32nd minute.
Pirates’ woes deepened when Thabiso Sesane deflected the ball into his own net and disaster struck again just before halftime when they conceded a penalty.
Although Sipho Chaine saved Edmore Chirambadare’s initial attempt, Chirambadare pounced on the rebound, extending Magesi’s lead to 3-0 at the break.
Jose Riveiro’s side fought back in the second half, with goals from Kabelo Dlamini and Evidence Makgopa reducing the deficit, but it was too late to prevent a historic defeat for the Soweto giants.
Magesi’s victory propelled them into the quarter-finals, joining Stellenbosch, who defeated AmaZulu in extra time.