Kaizer Chiefs failed to win the Toyota Cup for the second year running after falling 3-2 against Asante Kotoko in the penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The initial edition was won by Yanga SC, who beat their hosts 4-0 at the same venue.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi gave the fans a chance to have a look at the new signings Thabiso Monyane, Nkanyiso Shinga, and Flavio Silva in the starting XI with Ethan Chislett and Siphesihle Ndlovu starting from the bench.
Despite recovering from injury, Nabi did not include former Orlando Pirates left-back Paseka Mako in his squad.
Couple of chances but no goal in the first half
Amakhosi started the brighter side but did not pose any threat to the Ghanaian outfit who took time to settle.
The best chance of the game in the early exchanges fell to the Porcupine Warriors in the 15th minute. A corner was played in well by Emmanuel Antwi and the unmarked Kwame Opoku forced Brandon Petersen to a fine save.
Silva almost gave something to celebrate in the 26th minute. Amakhosi won a free-kick in the final third, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo played it in, and the 29-year-old headed it narrowly wide. Moments later, Mfundo Vilakazi went inches wide from his set-piece about 30 yards from the goal.
The first half ended with the fans having no goal to celebrate, but the likes of Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo, who saw his attempt miss the target by a small margin, undoubtedly impressed thousands of the home supporters.
Miguel misses from the penalty spot!
In the 57th minute, Pule Mmodi did well to get past his marker before unleashing a rocket past Asante Kotoko custodian. However, his effort came off the crossbar and bounced to safety.
The Nedbank champions were impressive for the better part of the second half, with impressive attacks and runs, only that they were not clinical in the final third.
In the 83rd minute, Mmodi was brought down in the danger zone by Henry Ansu, and the referee did not hesitate to hand Chiefs a penalty. Inacio Miguel rose up for the occasion, but despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, he failed to hit the target.
With neither team getting a goal in regulation time, the winner had to be decided via penalties.
Kotoko lifted the trophy after winning the shootout 3-2; they scored through Henry Ansu, Albert Amoah, and Johnson Opong while Lord Amoah, Patrick Aseidu, and Gilbani Samba failed to find the back of the net.
Amakhosi scored courtesy of Gaston Sirino and Mduduzi Shabalala, but Wandile Duba, Aden McCarthy, Pule Mmodi, and Inacio Miguel missed.
