Simunye beats Benfica in second half

GEORGE NEWS - On a chilly Sunday afternoon, 13 April, at the Lawaaikamp Stadium in George, Simunye FC knocked Benfica out 2-1 in an entertaining Safa Eden Hollywoodbets Regional League fixture.

Afika Tywetywe and Sindile Magubane contributed the two goals for Simunye, and Sibusiso Swam netted the only goal for Mossel Bay's Benfica.

Losing title chances

Despite having a great run in the first round of the league, Simunye dropped crucial points on the road, losing the chance of claiming the Safa Eden Regional League title for the second time. With 44 points, the Lawaaikamp boys are battling for the top five spots on the log.

So far, they have played 25 fixtures with 13 victories, five draws and seven defeats. The Mossel Bay team is currently logged at the bottom half with 32 points.

Solid performance

Simunye FC's centre left back, Siyabonga Dlamini, gave a solid performance, marshalling his side from the backline.

The game got off to a great start with both teams rolling the ball on the ground. Wongama Koeberg (16) employed his pace and skills on the ball to penetrate through Benfica's backline.

Xolazwe Samente of Benfica missed the first chance of the game when his shot was blocked by Simunye FC goalkeeper Thato Maboea. Sihle van Rensburg of Simunye tried his luck outside the box, but his powerful shot went wide.

The first half ended goalless.

Second-half action

The second half saw both teams looking very sharp on the ball with Simunye pushing on the left side of the field. Lixa Bomvana of Benfica starred with the ball, creating more chances for his side.

Siyabonga 'Mpumlo' Miggels sent a long-range shot, but it went over the woodwork. The home team gained more confidence as Tywetywe opened the score with a powerful shot just outside the box. Simunye continued putting pressure on Benfica's backline and forcing them to panic.