Magesi FC shocked Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 Carling Knockout Cup final victory, claiming their first top-flight trophy.
The Limpopo side overcame a 1-0 deficit to secure the win. Afrik-Foot analyzes ten key takeaways from the competition.
- Pirates eliminated in the first round
The Buccaneers were surprisingly beaten by Magesi at home, Orlando Stadium as they were looking forward to go to the next stage.
While they nearly made a comeback towards the end of the match, Magesi eventually triumphed 3-2.
- 4-0 trashing for Chiefs
Amakhosi were seemingly on a good run after they had eliminated SuperSport United in the first round.
However, they were handed a heavy 4-0 defeat by dominant Sundowns at the FNB Stadium.
- Kaizer Chiefs defence exposed
Their defeat to gave them signs that they still had to work more harder on their defensive department which previously seemed to be solid.
The newly appointed assistant coach of the Chiefs, Cedric Kaze, has a specialization in defensive strategies and will need to implement substantial improvements in that area.
- Elvis Chipezeze, a hero for champions Magesi
The former Baroka FC netminder played a crucial role in propelling the Limpopo side to the Carling Knockout’s success. He scooped Man of the Matches in all four games that they played in the tournament.
His well-known tendency to employ time-wasting tactics was evident whenever the team wanted to manage the game.
- Trophy for the minnows
The big three (Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns) haven’t won this trophy since it was sponsored by Carling in 2023.
Last season, Stellenbosch FC won the cup after beating TS Galaxy in the final which was held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
- Sundowns, the highest-scoring team in the tournament
Despite their eventual final defeat, Sundowns were the tournament's top scorers with 12 goals.
They cruised past Golden Arrows (5-0) and Kaizer Chiefs (4-0), before edging Marumo Gallants (2-0) and losing to Magesi (1-0).
- Youngsters not a solution for Nabi
Nabi has relied heavily on young talents like Mduduzi Shabalala, Samkelo Zwane, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilkazi, who had promising starts to the season.
However, their inconsistency has highlighted the need for experienced players as the team continues to develop.
- Pirates problematic for teams in later stages of the matches
Pirates have transformed into a relentless attacking force, especially in the dying minutes of matches. They almost snatched a dramatic equalizer against Magesi, sending the game into extra time.
- Chiefs too big for Ntwari
Everyone was excited about the new Rwandan keeper at first, but he hasn't really impressed. His game against Sundowns was terrible.
He made some really bad mistakes with his positioning and catching, and it's clear now that he's a weak link for Chiefs.
- Clinton Larsen, bogey coach for Sundowns
Larsen repeated history, securing his second League Cup final triumph over Sundowns.
In 2012, he masterminded Bloemfontein Celtic's 1-0 victory over the Tshwane giants, with Joel Mogorosi's goal at the Moses Mabhida Stadium sealing the deal.
