Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE’S representatives in the CAF Champions League, Simba Bhora, have been eliminated after losing 4–2 on penalties to Nsingizini Hotspurs at Somhlolo Stadium in Eswatini this Sunday.
The match had ended in a 1–1 aggregate draw, with Nsingizini Hotspurs prevailing in the penalty shootout.
Simba Bhora had started strong, securing a 1–0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs in the first leg in Botswana.
However, they failed to build on this advantage in the second leg, resulting in a 1–0 loss that sent the match to penalties.
Nsingizini Hotspurs’ nerves of steel proved decisive, converting four of their penalty kicks, while Simba Bhora managed only two.
Nsingizini Hotspurs will now face Simba SC of Tanzania in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, with the winner advancing to the highly coveted group stage.
Meanwhile, Simba Bhora will now shift focus to their Premier Soccer League title defence.
Currently, they trail leaders Scottland by a single point and have an outstanding fixture against Triangle United, with five matches remaining.
