Gallant Nsingizini maintains Eswatini CAF groove
By Sibusiso Masilela
Nsingizini Hotspurs……………(0) 1,
Nkosingiphile Shongwe 89th
Simba Bhora…………………….(0) 0,
(Nsingizini won 4-2 on penalties)
MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs maintained the country’s groove in the 2025 CAF interclub competitions.
The Shiselweni-based side fulfilled the country’s success in the continental scenes by knocking out Zimbabwean champions Simba Bhora FC in the CAF Champions League with a 4-2 on Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The Mandla Qhogi-led charges followed the footsteps of Royal Leopards, who outclassed Namibian side Young African in the same venue on Saturday, with the local football goods welcoming the two local sides on home soil.
This follows the six-year absence of international football at the venue due to the CAF ban on the national stadium.
The green and white side showed character against the stubborn Zimbabwean champions by overturning the 1-0 loss during the first leg encounter played a week ago at the Obed Chilume Stadium.
Nsingizini never say die attitude helped them emerge victorious following a first-half setback after winger Mavela Dlamini missed a penalty kick before the hour mark.
Dlamini ballooned his effort over the bar after Ayanda Gadlela was tripped inside the box, forcing Qhogi to sacrifice Dlamini for playmaker Thubelihle Mavuso before the break.
The misfiring ensured a barren stalemate at the break.
The match proved to open affair during the second half with the two teams coming at each other.
Nsingizini Ugandan striker and second-half substitute Joel Mudonda was unlucky not to score in the 70th minute when his timely shot was saved by the opposition goalkeeper William Thole.
Simba Bhora nearly stunned the over 500 home fans when defender Carlos Mavhurume hit the crossbar in the 84th minute.
Nsingizini defender Nkosingiphile Shongwe finally restored parity a minute before the end of regulation with a low volley from Sambulo Simelane’s corner, provoking wild celebrations from the home crowd, forcing the match into a lottery shoot-out.
The home side netted four of their spot kicks through Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, Yekisizwe Khumalo, and Nkosingiphile Shongwe.
The visitors netted two penalties through Anselmo Mauchi and Never Tigere while the duo Blessing Moyo and Tawiwa Mandinyeya missed their spot kicks, ensuring the local envoy date against Tanzanian giants Simba FC in the next round.
