Magesi capped off their debut top-flight season with a historic 2–1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, clinching the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Limpopo-based Magesi FC stunned their renowned opponents with a spirited comeback to clinch the title in Bloemfontein.
Sundowns dominated the first half, relentlessly pressing forward and creating numerous opportunities. Magesi’s goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze, delivered a stellar performance, thwarting efforts from Lucas Ribeiro, Teboho Mokoena, and Peter Shalulile.
Despite Chipezeze’s heroics, Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Ribeiro set up Iqraam Rayners, who coolly finished to give the favourites a well-earned lead.
The second half, however, saw a transformed Magesi FC. Just two minutes after the restart, Tshepo Kakora headed home from Edmore Chirambadare’s expertly delivered corner to level the score.
Chirambadare would later play a decisive role in the game’s defining moment.
As Sundowns pushed for a winner, Chipezeze remained impenetrable, producing crucial saves, including a stunning stop of Mokoena’s long-range effort in the 68th minute.
Then, in the 87th minute, Magesi shocked the crowd. Chirambadare’s precise corner found Delano Abrahams, who scored a dramatic winner just minutes before the final whistle.
Scenes of jubilation erupted as Magesi FC celebrated lifting the Carling Knockout Cup in their maiden top-flight season.
Chipezeze’s resilience and Chirambadare’s creative brilliance were pivotal, etching Magesi’s triumph into South African football history.