Orlando Pirates were sent crashing out of the Carling Knockout Cup in a stunning upset, losing 3-2 to Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Sea Robbers, considered strong favorites to progress, found themselves trailing by three goals at halftime and were unable to complete a late comeback.
Delano Abrahams, Thabiso Sesane (own goal) and Edmore Chirambandare scored for Magesi while Kabelo Dlamini and Evidence Makgopa found the back of the net for the home side.
The match started at a slow pace as both teams sought to establish their rhythm. The Buccaneers maintained control of the ball, although they struggled to generate significant goal-scoring opportunities.
The Limpopo side appeared threatening during counterattacks, leveraging the speed of Wonderboy Makhubu, Deolin Mekoa, and Delano Abrahams to challenge the home team.
Magesi broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through their new man Abrahams, heading home after he was left unmarked in the box. This was his first goal for the club after joining from AmaTuks at the beginning of the season.
The Pirates began to elevate their intensity, looking to quickly reach the final third and secure an equaliser.
Thabiso Sesane inadvertently doubled the visitors' lead in the 39th minute, deflecting the ball into his own net while attempting a clearance.
In the 43rd minute, Magesi earned a penalty when Deolin Mekoa was fouled in the penalty area. Edmore Chirambandare's initial penalty kick was saved by Sipho Chaine, but he was able to capitalize on the rebound to score.
MAGESI WERE LEADING 3-0 AT HALF-TIME
The match went to halftime with Magesi leading 3-0.
Pirates came back in the second half and threw everything at Magesi looking to reduce the deficit.
Jose Riveiro took off Monnapule Saleng and brought on Mohau Nkota who injected new energy into the Sea Robbers' offensive game.
Pirates later introduced Patrick Maswanganyi and Evidence Makgopa, replacing Selaelo Rasebotja and Karim Kimvuidi.
In the 64th minute, Tshegofatso Mabasa struck the crossbar after receiving a pass from Deano van Rooyen.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani staged a late comeback, pulling one back in the 86th minute via Kabelo Dlamini while the substitute Makgopa added the second one in the 88th minute. The Soweto giants believed they had leveled the score when Nkota found the back of the net, but the goal was subsequently disallowed for offside.
Magesi eventually booked their place in the Last eight with Pirates suffering an early exit.
