ESWATINI – Zimbabwean champions Simba Bhora were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after losing 4-2 on penalties to Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs on Sunday afternoon at Somhlolo Stadium.
Simba Bhora carried a slender 1-0 lead into the match, needing only to avoid a defeat to progress to the next stage.
However, the Shamva-based side could not hold on, conceding a late equaliser with just three minutes remaining.
They had earlier survived a first-half scare when Nsingizini missed a penalty, but Joel Luphahla’s charges still conceded in stoppage time, sending the game straight into penalties.
The hosts converted four of their spot kicks to Simba Bhora’s two, knocking out the visitors.
Simba Bhora had won 1-0 in the reverse fixture last week, but coach Luphahla had warned the return leg would be a tough test.
“We have collected maximum points but it’s not going to be easy away in Eswatini,” he said after the first-leg win.
His opposite number, Mandla Qhogi, had also predicted a fierce contest.
“They must come ready for the second leg because we will dig deep. We are going to make it difficult for them. We are really determined,” he said last week.
With their continental dream over, Simba Bhora will now focus on defending their domestic league title.
They sit second on the log with 55 points, one behind leaders Scottland, who beat Manica Diamonds 1-0 on Friday.
Simba Bhora could return to the summit if they win their game in hand against Triangle United.
