Photo Credit: Magesi FC
Cup competitions always bring the added potential of surprise results and Saturday's Carling Knockout Cup final provided just that as Magesi FC stunned South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns by a 2-1 score in Bloemfontein. Delano Abrahams scored a late winner for Magesi as the Limpopo side delivered an excellent second half performance to come back from a first half concession to Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners.
The match started out as many expected with heavy favorites Sundowns dominating possession and looking for gaps in the Magesi defense. However a heroic performance from Magesi's goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze kept the favorites at bay early on with the Zimbabwean producing an excellent save from Teboho Mokoena's 8th minute blast.
After sustained pressure throughout the first half, Chipezeze and his defense finally conceded in the 36th minute. Sundowns playmaker Lucas Ribeiro collected the ball forty yards from goal and his pass found the well timed run of Rayners who curled his finish past Chipezeze from the left side of the penalty area.
Unexpectedly, Magesi came out a different team after halftime and equalized before five minutes had elapsed in the second half. Edmore Chirambadare received the ball on the left wing and curled in a cross for Kakora to head past Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams.
Magesi seized on a growing sense of uncertainty in the Sundowns ranks, who created some danger at times but appeared taken aback by the challenge from the Betway Premiership newcomers. Late on in the 87th minute Magesi earned a corner kick and the magical moment arrived when a perfect whipped delivery from Chirambadere provided all the power for a wide open Abrahams to volley in with his thigh.
Video: Magesi FC 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns highlights
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