The Bigger they come, the harder they fall!

By Sibusiso Masilela

Young Buffaloes………….(0) 1,

Mpendulo Dlamini 65th
Malanti Chiefs…………(1) 1,
Isaac Yeboah 22nd
(Malanti Chiefs won 4-3 on penalties)

Shocker!

8Bet Trade Cup defending champions Young Buffaloes have bitten the dust in the historic knockout tournament.

The title holders were sent packing by a stubborn Malanti Chiefs by 4-3 on the lottery shootouts on Sunday at the Mavuso Sports Centre.

The army side were given a run for their money by the elite league rookies in front of over 2 000 fans, ending their dream of defending the E630 000 worth title.

Malanti Chiefs showed no respect for the experienced ‘Amathole Ezinyathi’ by taking the lead in the 22nd minute through their Ghanaian import Isaac Yeboah with a sublime finish.

Yeboah’s strike handed Malanti Chiefs a slender lead heading to the break.

Buffaloes came back recharged in the second half and put more pressure on the opposition defence.

The Dominic Kunene-led charges levelled matters five minutes into the hour mark through playmaker Mpendulo ‘Mpetha’ Dlamini.

The former Mbabane Swallows playmaker benefited from a howler from the opposition goalkeeper, Bongiswa Dlamini, who spilled on the path of Dlamini, who made no mistake and buried the ball home.

The match went straight to lottery shootouts where the Buffaloes’ seasoned players, such as Sibonelo Sibandze, Phiwa Dlamini, and penalty specialist goalkeeper Sicelo Mkhwanazi, missed their spot kicks.

Malanti Chiefs will face cup CAF Champions League bound Nsingizini Hotspurs in the quarterfinals.