Former Hibs striker Dom Malonga is Bulgarian Cup final hero as ‘big pressure’ spot kick helps new side lift trophy

Easter Road cult favourite holds nerve in shoot-out
By Matthew Elder
Published 2nd Jul 2020, 11:29 BST
Updated 2nd Jul 2020, 12:16 BST
Dominique Malonga in action for Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium in January 2016. Pic: SNS Group Craig WilliamsonDominique Malonga in action for Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium in January 2016. Pic: SNS Group Craig Williamson
Dominique Malonga in action for Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium in January 2016. Pic: SNS Group Craig Williamson

Former Hibs striker Dominique Malonga played a crucial role to help Lokomotiv Plovdiv win the Bulgarian Cup last night.

The 31-year-old – a cult hero during his time at Easter Road – held his nerve to score in the penalty shoot-out after the match against CSKA Sofia ended in a goalless draw after regulation and extra-time.

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Malonga, who joined Bruno Akrapovic's side in March, was introduced as a substitute in the 110th minute of the final, which was played in front of 12,000 fans at Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia.

Dominque Malonga posted a picture of himself with the Bulgarian Cup trophy on Instagram.Dominque Malonga posted a picture of himself with the Bulgarian Cup trophy on Instagram.
Dominque Malonga posted a picture of himself with the Bulgarian Cup trophy on Instagram.

He scored his side’s fourth penalty in the 5-3 shoot-out victory, which qualifies Plovdiv for next season's Europa League.

Posting a picture on Instagram of his successful spot kick, Malonga messaged, "Love big pressure", alongside a picture of him in the dressing room with the trophy which simply read, “Cup Champion”.

The French-born front man has had a nomadic career since leaving Hibs in January 2016 with spells in Italy, Switzerland, Tunisia, Greece and most recently Canada. The former Congo international scored 22 goals in 51 appearances with the Easter Road side.

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Another former SPFL player, ex-St Mirren and Ross County midfielder Graham Carey, was on the losing side in last night's final, having joined CSKA Sofia on a two-year deal last June. The 31-year-old Irishman played the full 120 minutes and also scored in the shoot-out.