Pirates slayers storm into maiden Carling Knockout final!

Magesi FC have reached the Carling Knockout final after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Despite lacking the top-flight experience, Dikwena tsa Meetse have been delivering in the matches they have engaged in this season.

They eliminated favourites Orlando Pirates in the Round of 16, before getting past TS Galaxy in the quarter-final to set a date with Richards Bay.

Mashigo sends Magesi to Dreamland

The hosts welcomed striker Yamela Mbuthuma who had missed the team’s last two games owing to the red card he was shown in the match against Sekhukhune United. However, the Premier Soccer League newbies opted to stick to the squad that beat the Rockets in the previous round.

Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze did well to stop Tlakusani Mthethwa midway through the first half as both teams employed a cautious approach, avoiding conceding first.

In the 27th minute, Tshepo Mashigo broke the deadlock with a perfect after defensive mistake. It was a reward for his hard work from the first whistle.

Somalia Ntsundwana almost leveled matters a minute later, but Chipezeze was equal to the task of ensuring his team led in the first half.

Chipezeze heroics stop Richards Bay

In the second half, the Natal Rich Boys came back stronger in their bid to get an equalizing goal.

Yanela Mbuthuma forced the Zimbabwean goalkeeper into another fine save in the 59th minute after some good work in the wing. In the 67th minute, Chipezeze, yet again, did well to keep out Keegan Allan’s header.

Magesi had a chance of their own in the 77th minute through Wonderboy Makhubu but Otieno did well to keep the ball out.

It got worse for the hosts in the 83rd minute when Richards Bay were reduced to 10 players after Mthethwa was sent off for a second bookable offence as Magesi held on to reach their first-ever major final.

In the final, they will play the winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants in the second semi-final that will be played on Sunday.