CARLING KNOCKOUT WRAP: Defending champs march on, Pirates crash out

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An exciting opening round of the Carling Knockout delivered a major shock and plenty of goals as Stellenbosch again got the better of AmaZulu to continue their title defence.

A tense match at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon saw nine-man TS Galaxy scrape past Chippa United after extra time.

Following 90 minutes of goalless football, Dzenan Zajmovic broke the deadlock in the 103rd minute and the Rockets had to hold on for dear life after the Bosnian and teammate Victor Letsoalo were sent off on 114' and 120' minutes respectively.

Later on that same day, Richards Bay also edged Sekhukhune United 1-0 on a rain-soaked pitch at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, where Lwandile Mabuya's 42nd-minute goal settled the contest.

In Saturday's action, Strikes from Gaston Sirino, Yusuf Maart, Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez saw Kaizer Chiefs cruise past SuperSport United 4-0, while Cape Town City recorded a victory by a 3-0 margin over Royal AM at Athlone Stadium in a concurrent match, courtesy of Amadou Soukouna, Jaedin Rhodes and Jody Ah Shene.

In the early evening, Mamelodi Sundowns produced a powerful performance to thrash Golden Arrows 5-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, as goals from Thapelo Morena, Iqraam Rayners, Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile and Kutlwano Letlhaku saw them brush aside Abafana Bes'thende with disdain.

The afternoon kick-offs produced the shock of the round, as tournament debutants Magesi FC claimed a 3-2 away win over heavyweights Orlando Pirates.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse established a 3-0 lead before halftime thanks to strikes from Delano Abrahams and Edmore Chirambadare, as well as an own goal from Thabiso Sesane, and although the Buccaneers fought back via Kabelo Dlamini and Evidence Makgopa late on, it was too little, too late for the Soweto giants.

The afternoon also featured a 3-2 away win for Marumo Gallants against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa twice came from behind to triumph via goals from Siyabulela Shai, Monde Mphambaniso and Edgar Manaka.

On Friday, in the tournament opener, reigning champions Stellenbosch claimed a 2-1 win away over AmaZulu after extra time courtesy of strikes from Devon Titus and Andre de Jong.

Carling Knockout round-of-16 results

Friday, October 18

AmaZulu 1-2 Stellenbosch

Saturday, October 19

Orlando Pirates 2-3 Magesi

Polokwane City 2-3 Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Golden Arrows

Cape Town City 3-0 Royal AM

SuperSport United 0-4 Kaizer Chiefs

Sunday, October 20

TS Galaxy 1-0 Chippa United

Richards Bay 1-0 Sekhukhune United