Giant killers Baroka FC slew Orlando Pirates 3-2 on penalties in Port Elizabeth on Saturday night to claim their prize - the Telkom Knockout trophy.
The game ended 2-2 after 120 minutes of pulsating action before the Limpopo side held their nerve against 10-man Bucs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Pirates created better goalscoring opportunities in the first half but it was Baroka who went into the interval smiling.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s manne got a major boost when Marshall Munetsi was given his marching orders just five minutes before the interval.
And Bakgaga pounced to take the lead when Siyabonga Mpontshane misjudged Matome Mabeba’s cross from the right and side in the dying minutes of the first half.
Photo: DERYCK FOSTER/BACKPAGEPIX
Talent Chiwapiwa directed his header into the path of forwarding Jemondre Dickens who finished with aplomb.
Bucs fought back though and were rewarded when Musa Nyatama restored parity 57 minutes into the game, which forced extra time.
Baroka were awarded another penalty in the first 15 and Mduduzi Mdantshane converted, but Thembinkosi Lorch snatched the equaliser with four minutes before the final whistle.
Bucs lost 3-2 on penalties with Thabiso Kutumela, Justin Shonga and Lorch missing, while Happy Jele and Nyatama converted theirs.
Mdantsane, Vusi Sibiya and Thabiso Semenya were on the scoresheet for Baroka.
Baroka boss Nyirenda hailed his team and dedicated their success to the people of Limpopo.
The Zambian says: “The first cup for Baroka and the entire Limpopo. It gives me pleasure to give those people the first trophy.”
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