Magesi FC (0) 0
Carling All Stars (3) 3
Hlongwane 12, 24; Zwane 21
The second instalment of the Carling All-Star exhibition saw the Carling All Star XI thump 2024 Carling Knockout Cup winners Magesi 3-0 to win the 2024 Carling Knockout exhibition on Saturday.
In a match played at the Orlando Stadium, the All Stars scored three first half goals to retain the cup, having won it against last year’s KO champions Stellenbosch. Much to the delight of those in attendance, the glittering All-Star team took the lead with a well-worked goal in the 12th minute.
Two Kaizer Chiefs men combined, as midfielder Samkelo Zwane played through DStv Diski Challenge player Naledi Hlongwane, who expertly chipped the keeper for the first goal of the match. The All Stars doubled their lead 10 minutes later, this time Zwane the scorer.
The Amakhosi academy graduate received possession on the edge of the box, before beating Elvis Chipezeze with a powerful shot.
It was raining goals in Soweto with Magesi falling apart and the All Stars pouncing on every mistake. In that process they took a 3-0 lead into the break with Hlongwane again on target in the 24th minute.
Following their remarkable Carling Knockout final heroics, it was now time for Magesi to complete what has been a special 2024 by trying to claim the exhibition match. Looking for continuity, Magesi head coach Clinton Larsen fielded the exact starting XI that did the business against the Brazilians, with final hero Chirambandare leading the attack.
With the All Star side comprising two DStv Diski Challenge centre-backs and a right-back, expectation was expected to be on the side of the Carling Knockout champions from the onset. However, it was a Chiefs and Orlando Pirates combination of Samkelo Zwane and Relebohile Mofokeng that created the clear chance of the game in the opening two minutes.
Mofokeng received a Zwane diagonal pass delightfully to get into the box but his left-footed attempt glanced wide of goal with Elvis Chipezeze frozen in the Magesi goal.
It seemed as if Magesi had no response for All Stars’ quick start and looked a shadow of themselves in the opening stanza.
With the nature of an exhibition match of that nature, both coaches made various sets of changes with the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch getting valuable game time. The numerous changes also saw the tempo of the game disrupted which made it easier for the leading All-Stars to hold out and claim the win on day.