Malanti stun ‘Buffs’, face Nsingizini

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Young Buffaloes ……………..(0) 1

‘Mphetha’ 64^th

Malanti Chiefs…………………1(1)

Yeboah 22^nd

(Malanti won 5-4 after sudden death penalties) 

MANZINI – In what looks like the Biblical story of David versus Goliath, Malanti Chiefs played the role of giant killers, delivering a stunning knockout blow to defending champions Young Buffaloes in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2025.

The minnows claimed a sensational upset, sending the reigning champions packing after a 1-1 draw that was decided by sudden death penalties.

Chiefs, affectionately known as ‘Bafana Bemboyi,’ wasted no time in serving notice of their intent with Isaac Yeboah finding the back of the net in the 22^nd minute to give his side the lead. The army side, however, refused to go down without a fight and Mpendulo ‘Mpetha’ Dlamini levelled the score in the second half, setting up a finish  to be decided from the spot.

The shoot-out was a nail-biter, with both sides missing two shots in the first five spot kicks. The drama reached  fever pitch when veteran Buffaloes striker Phiwayinkhosi ‘S’lwabelwabe’ Dlamini’s decisive fifth penalty hit the post, keeping Malanti’s hopes alive.

In sudden death, Malanti’s Langelihle Dlamini, despite visibly weak knees from his team during the penalties, stepped up and held his nerve to score a clinical sixth penalty. The pressure then fell on Buffaloes’ goalkeeper, Sicelo Mkhwanazi, who was tasked with saving his team. But it was not to be, Mkhwanazi sent the ball over the bar, ending the champions’ run and marking a famous victory for the underdogs.

The win sees Chiefs advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face another tough test against Nsingizini Hotspurs tomorrow. 

The defending champions started brightly, dominating possession in the opening 20 minutes, yet failed to test the opposition keeper.

Chiefs’ opener was a masterclass in counter-attacking football. After dispossessing Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa in midfield, they transitioned with blistering pace. Veteran forward Sandile Hlatshwako, formerly of Mbabane Swallows, delivered a perfectly weighted cross that was headed home by Yeboah, leaving the home side surprised but seemingly taking it for granted. Buffaloes fought back immediately with Sandile ‘Magwegwe’ Mbingo’s effort which looked destined for the net until it was cleared off the line by Zipho Ngcobo.

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