Online Reporter
Noel Munzabwa
Nsingizini Hotspurs………………………..….(0) 1
Simba Bhora…………………………..…………)
(Aggregate 1-1, Nsingizini Hotspurs won 4-2 after penalties)
SIMBA Bhora scripted their own episode of ‘I blew it’ when they fell to a determined Nsingizini Hotspurs in a penalty shootout in this CAF Champions League preliminary tie at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
The tie had to be settled by the penalties after Nkhosingiphile Shongwe gave the hosts a lifeline on the stroke of full-time with a pile drive which beat goalkeeper William Thole.
Captain Blessing Moyo and Tapiwa Mandinyenya missed from the spot in the shootout and it meant that conversions by Never Tigere and Isheanesu Mauchi didn’t matter in the end.
The home side converted four penalties which were taken by Neliswa Dlamini, Sambulo Simelane, Yeki Khumalo and Shongwe.
Coach Joel Luphahla conceded they blew it away and blamed fatigue and inexperience.
“We lost it mentally with fatigue from the traveling taking its toll on us. Inexperience also counted against us.
“This is was the first time for most of our players and for me in particular, this is my first year as head coach,” said Luphahla.
After surviving early scares, Simba Bhora created their first chance in the 10th minute from a corner.
Barely ten minutes later, Junior Makunike failed to punish the home side after a half clearance from a cross from the left flank.
On the half hour mark, Nsingizini Hotspurs won a penalty off what looked like a chest clearance.
Mavela Dlamini skied the ball from the set piece.
Before the breather, first leg hero Ishmael Nyanhi headed weakly at Khanyakwezwe Shabalala off a cross from the right.
Simba Bhora survived numerous raids in the second half with Thole proving a tough hurdle for the hosts.
However, in the 90th minute Shongwe struck the blow which took the game to the penalties lottery.
