Polokwane – Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final on Saturday night, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring the decisive goal in extra time at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The match, which saw both teams fail to score during regulation, went into extra time. Mofokeng found the back of the net in the 105th minute, handing Pirates their second major trophy of the season. The victory also keeps the club atop the Betway Premiership, atoning for their earlier elimination from the CAF Champions League.
This is the second time Pirates have claimed the Carling Knockout, having previously won the tournament in 2011 as part of a historic treble. For Gallants, however, the loss means they continue their search for silverware after falling short in the 2022 Nedbank Cup final.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made several changes to the starting lineup. Central midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula was given his first start of the season, while Thalente Mbatha and Masindi Nemtajela joined him in midfield. Nkosikhona Ndaba replaced Deon Hotto at left-back, and Tshepang Moremi started from the bench. Gallants featured former Pirates players Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Katlego Otladisa, while striker Daniel Msendami was a surprising omission from the starting XI.
Pirates dominated the first half, creating several chances early on. Just two minutes in, Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi misjudged a back pass, but Makgopa’s effort was cleared off the line by Marvin Sikhosana. Later, Pirates came close again, with Oswin Appollis testing Arubi with a low shot, and Nemtajela missing a close-range effort. Arubi also tipped a header from Makgopa over the bar on the stroke of halftime.
The second half saw fewer chances, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. Substitute Moremi nearly scored in stoppage time, but his attempt was cleared off the line by Gallants’ Eroine Agnikoi. With no goals in regulation, the match headed into extra time.
Pirates continued to push in extra time, and Mofokeng’s goal in the 105th minute proved to be the match-winner. The ball ricocheted off Sikhosana, who was attempting a clearance, leaving Gallants with no chance of a comeback.
Oswin Appollis was named Man of the Match for his contribution to the victory.
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