KNYSNA NEWS - FC United of Knysna were crowned Safa Eden Presidential Cup champions after sinking George's Simunye FC 3(8)-3(7) in a penalty shootout in the final at Smutsville Stadium in Sedgefield on Sunday 2 March.
In the first semi-final FC United downed NMU Madibaz FC 3-2, and in the second Simunye beat Sea Birds of Mossel Bay 3-2.
Opportunity hunt
The final started with both teams looking for opportunities inside the box. FC United played the ball on the ground - building passes from the centre using the strength of Msimelelo Kayizana.
United's Esona Mbena received the first chance of the game, his shot going over the woodwork.
Sihle van Rensburg of Simunye took a shot at goal from just outside the box, which United goalkeeper Nkosiyethu Magwa saved.
Simunye score twice
Simunye kept on pressing for chances inside the box, and Siyabonga "Mpomlo" Miggels opened the scoring for them, forcing United to chase the game.
Buhle Makhele, centre, of Simunye FC, takes a powerful shot, as Chulumanco Nkohla, left, of FC United approaches him.
Simunye danger man Miggels then netted his second goal, after which United employed the pace of Chulumanco Nkohla to create havoc on the left side, but his excellent moves did not result in a goal.
The second half saw both teams looking very sharp on the ball. United won a corner kick, but their dangerous shot from this went over the bar.
United strike back
Kayizana put the smile on the faces of United supporters when he scored his first goal, after offensive play from the flanks.
A set play from Simunye at the centre created a perfect chance for Athenkosi Mahala, who scored their third goal to make it 3-1, after his great work on the left wing.
United came back in full force and Kayizana netted his second goal. After this United took the game from Simunye, playing more attacking football in their hunt for an equaliser in the last minutes of the game.
Scores level
Aqhama Mdatyulwa of United surprised everyone when he levelled the scores, leading to extra time being called - during which no goals were scored, resulting the the penalty shootout.
Sixteen teams from the Safa Eden Regional League took part in a thrilling weekend of soccer, including local sides Kabo Yellow (Plett), Voota FC (Knysna), La liga (Knysna), Red Eagles (Knysna), Smuts United (Sedgefield), FC Rebels (Knysna) and Bitou Young Pirates (Plett).
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