Sidemen came out on top in a 15-goal thriller against a YouTube Allstars Team in front of more than 27,000 spectators.
YouTube sensation-turned boxer KSI swapped the ring for The Valley, with Charlton Athletic’s stadium packed to the rafters for the charity match. KSI led his Sidemen group into the match in what was to become an annual event before the coronavirus pandemic.
This was the first encounter since 2018 and it was worth the wait as Sidemen ran out 8-7 winners thanks to a Miniminter hat-trick, with all proceeds from the match going to Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Young Minds.
However, despite the game being played for charity, any illusions over it being a friendly encounter were erased when KSI was smashed by Speed less than a minute into the first half. That got the crowd going and Chunkz sent them wild minutes later, when he put the YouTube Allstars in front with a stunning effort from long range.
The Youtubers quickly doubled their lead when Beta Squad star Niko converted after the ball found him via a fortunate bounce. Sidemen then halved the arrears through Vikkstar, scoring after a pass from Miniminter.
Tobi then made it 2-2 less than 20 minutes into the game, before Filly put the Allstars back in front with another brilliant effort from outside the box. Miniminter then channelled Cristiano Ronaldo - not particularly with his fluky goal, but by copying his trademark ‘Siu’ celebration.
And with both sides looking for the half-time whistle, the YouTube Allstars regained the lead for the third time when Theo Baker beat PieFace in the Sidemen goal.
Into the second half and it was more of the same as the two exchanged goals once again, with TBJZL scoring for Sidemen and then instantly conceding a goal to FIFA streamer Castro.
Sidemen then finally took control of the game to first make it 5-5 through Miniminter and then to take the lead for the first time as Cal the Dragon spilled ChrisMD’s shot into the back of the net. However, as was becoming custom, the lead changed hands again Niko making it 6-6, before WillNE put the AllStars in the lead once again.
But there was one more twist in the tale as Manny made it 7-7, before Miniminter completed his hat-trick to earn a remarkable victory.
Speaking after the full-time whistle KSI said: "Losing at half-time and we came back. Incredible, to win that in the closing moments, amazing. This is without doubt the best Sidemen Charity Match we have ever done."
Logan Paul was in attendance for the match, but didn’t come on and renew his longstanding rivalry with KSI, who he has fought in the boxing ring on two occasions.
