Newly promoted Magesi FC staged a remarkable comeback to stun Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup final at the Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
The Limpopo side went into the match as underdogs against a Sundowns side that had been unstoppable in the competition.
Masandawana had scored 12 goals without conceding en route to the final. The Brazilians cruised past Golden Arrows with a 5-0 victory in the first round. In the quarter-final, Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 before defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0 in the semi-final to set up a final against Magesi.
Nonetheless, a determined Magesi defied expectations to secure a historic victory. The Clinton Larsen-coached side beat Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy, and Richards Bay FC to reach the final in their first season in SA’s top flight.
Despite Downs’ early dominance and first-half lead, the defending league champions were unable to overcome the resilient Magesi defence.
The Brazilians tried opening the scoresheet early in the game with attempts from Teboho Mokoena and Peter Shalulile. However, Magesi goalkeeper and captain Elvis Chipezeze stood tall, denying Sundowns multiple goal-scoring opportunities.
SUNDOWNS SCORED IN THE FIRST HALF AGAINST MAGESI FC
Following a handful of impressive attacks, Mamelodi Sundowns eventually found the back of the net through Iqraam Rayners in the 36th minute. The former Stellenbosch FC forward was set up by Brazilian teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Bafana Ba Style went into the half-time break leading 1-0 with a goal by Rayners, leaving Magesi with all to do in the second half.
Early in the second half, Dikwena scored an equalising goal through Tshepo Kakora in the 48th minute to bring the scoreline back to 1-1.
Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Edmore Chirambadare was the provider of that goal. He came back just four minutes before the final whistle with a well-taken corner kick that was buried home by Delano Abrahams. Magesi held on to lift the Carling Cup trophy.
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