Relebohile Mofokeng’s extra-time goal against Marumo Gallants was enough to see Orlando Pirates win the Carling Knockout final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
In the 115th minute of extra time, Mofokeng scored from close range after a scramble inside the box, sending the Buccaneers faithful and his coach into a frenzy.
Before Mofokeng’s goal, Pirates turned up the heat in search of the winning goal, but Washington Arubi made crucial saves.
From the edge of the box, Sipho Mbule unleashed a ferocious shot in the early stages of extra time, but Arubi pulled off a stunning save.
Tshepang Moremi also came close to scoring in the final minute of stoppage time, but Marumo Gallants desperately defended his effort, conceding a corner in the process.
Mofokeng’s goal ultimately separated the two sides, giving Orlando Pirates a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants. Gallants put up a huge fight in the showdown.
Besides the bragging rights and the Carling Knockout trophy, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side pocketed R6.85 million. Marumo Gallants also did not go home empty-handed after the defeat, taking home a cool R2.85 million.
Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants: Official Lineups
Orlando Pirates’ Starting XI:
Nkosikhona Ndaba, Makhehleni Makhaula, Oswin Appollis, Masindi Nemtajela, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Chaine (G), Lebone Seema, Thabiso Lebitso, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Marumo Gallants’ Starting XI:
Katlego Otladisa, Khumbulani Ncube, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Mpho Chabatsane, Kamohelo Sithole, Marvin Sikhosana, Washington Arubi (G), Bheki Mabuza, Ibrahim Bance, Siyabonga Nhlapho, and Eroine Agnikoi.
Orlando Pirates Latest Results
In their previous match on 29 November 2025, Orlando Pirates thumped Durban City 2-0 in a Betway Premiership encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Bafana Bafana forward Evidence Makgopa opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, assisted by Relebohile Mofokeng. Patrick Maswanganyi put the game beyond Durban City when he extended Pirates’ lead in the 77th minute, assisted by Oswin Appollis.
Marumo Gallants Latest Results
Marumo Gallants shared the spoils with Magesi after a 1-1 draw in a Betway Premiership match at Thohoyandou Stadium on 30 November 2025.
Kgomotso Mosadi put the visitors in front in the 27th minute. However, Jaisen Clifford equalised for Marumo Gallants in the 42nd minute, assisted by Katlego Otladisa. Clifford had replaced injured Ndabaythethwa Ndlondlo in the 35th minute.
Also Read: Richards Bay 0-1 Orlando Pirates: Tshepang Moremi’s goal sends Buccaneers to Carling Knockout final
Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants: Head-to-Head
Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants had won a match each in their last two encounters. The two sides have also scored two goals each in their previous two games.
Marumo Gallants 2-1 Orlando Pirates
Marumo Gallants narrowly defeated Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a Betway Premiership match at Thohoyandou Stadium on 12 August 2025. The hosts came from behind in the showdown.
Patrick Maswanganyi put the Buccaneers in front in the 16th minute, assisted by Deon Hotto.
Marumo Gallants fought back and finally unlocked Pirates’ defence in the 45th minute. Daniel Msendami equalised, assisted by Bheki Mabuza.
Marumo Gallants completed their stunning comeback when Jaisen Clifford, assisted by Teboho Motloung, netted in the 90+2 minute.
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Marumo Gallants
Orlando Pirates edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Orlando Stadium on 13 April 2025.
Kabelo Dlamini scored the winning goal in the 22nd minute, assisted by Patrick Maswanganyi. The Sea Robbers could have scored more, but Washington Arubi made five vital saves.
Orlando Pirates’ Next 2 Fixtures:
- On Saturday, 24 January 2026, Orlando Pirates visit Sekhukhune at Peter Mokaba Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash. The encounter starts at 15:30.
- On Saturday, 31 January 2025, Orlando Pirates host Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium in a top-of-the-table clash. The showdown kicks off at 15:30.
Marumo Gallants’ Next 2 Fixtures:
- On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, Marumo Gallants hosts Kaizer Chiefs at Thohoyandou Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash. The match starts at 19:30.
- On Saturday, 31 January 2026, Marumo Gallants hosts AmaZulu at Thohoyandou Stadium in a Betway Premiership match. The showdown kicks off at 15:30.
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