Online Reporter
Noel Munzabwa in LOBAMBA
Nsingizini Hotspurs win 4–2
on penalties
SIMBA BHORA’S CAF Champions League run ended in heartbreak yesterday when they fell 4–2 on penalties to Nsingizini Hotspurs at Somhlolo National Stadium in Eswatini.
The Zimbabwe champions had gone into the second leg with a slender 1–0 advantage, but a last-gasp strike from Nkhosingiphile Shongwe forced the tie to the lottery.
Shongwe’s thunderous shot in the 90th minute left goalkeeper William Thole helpless and the Simba Bhora defence rooted.
It was a moment that undid nearly all of the visitors’ hard work and exposed their lack of composure when it mattered most.
In the shoot-out, captain Blessing Moyo and substitute Tapiwa Mandinyenya ballooned their efforts over the bar. Though Never Tigere and Isheanesu Mauchi converted, Nsingizini held their nerve as Neliswa Dlamini, Sambulo Simelane, Yeki Khumalo and Shongwe all found the net.
Coach Joel Luphahla admitted his team faltered. “We lost this one on many faces. We lost it mentally, with fatigue from travelling taking its toll. Inexperience also counted against us. This was the first CAF campaign for most of our players and for me as a head coach,” he said. Simba Bhora had early warning of Nsingizini’s intent. Within seconds of kick-off, a lightning raid forced Butholezwe Ncube to clear the danger. The visitors gradually settled, winning their first corner in the 10th minute, only for a foul to cancel out the chance. Junior Makunike then failed to punish a poor clearance in the 20th minute, his shot deflecting off a defender.
The Zimbabweans had survived on the half-hour mark when the referee awarded Nsingizini a penalty for what appeared more to be a chest clearance. Mavela Dlamini fired over, leaving the score goalless. Simba Bhora’s best chance of the half came just before the break when first-leg hero Ishmael Nyanhi headed tamely at goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala.
After the interval, Nsingizini kept the pressure. Thole produced several sharp saves to keep Simba Bhora ahead on aggregate, but the resistance finally broke when Shongwe unleashed a pile driver from the edge of the box to level the tie and ignite wild celebrations among the home fans.
The stadium atmosphere had been charged from the outset. Simba Bhora’s brass band tried to set the tone, but the home crowd responded with deafening drums that grew louder as the match wore on and their team pushed for the decisive goal.
For Simba Bhora, the penalty shoot-out summed up a frustrating afternoon. Despite their initial advantage and moments of promise, their composure deserted them when it counted. “We will learn from this. We have to,” Luphahla said, clearly disappointed but already looking to the future.
Teams
Nsingizini Hotspurs: Khanyakwezwe Shabalala, Neliswa Senzo Dlamini, Mavela Dlamini (Thubelihle Mavuso 34), Quality Dlamini (Joel Mandondo 67), Kwakhe Thwala (Mvuselelo Mthethwa 60), Sizwe Yeki Khumalo, Kingsley Kwakyi, Vuyo Mncina (Sambulo Simelane 67), Nkhosingiphile Shongwe, Machawe Ayanda Gadlela, Dofiah Nunadoe (Jodyn Vermaak 60).
Coach: Mandla David Qhogi.
Simba Bhora: William Kilipota Thole, Webster Tanaka Tafa, Butholezwe Ncube (Barnabas Mtuche 71), Mckinnon Matema Mushore (Never Tigere 78), Boid Mutukure, Junior Makunike, Isakar Gurirab (Tapiwa Mandinyenya 78), Ishmael Nyanhi (Carlos Mavhurume 78), Emmanuel Ziocha (Donald Mudadi 60), Blessing Sasha Moyo and Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi.
Coach: Joel Luphahla.
