Champ of champions finals
There was no cagey start to the encounter as both sides came into the game intent on lifting the cup, however, Real Madrid enjoyed most of the ball possession during the opening five minutes.
Despite a courageous comeback from Mlambo Royal Cubs on Saturday August 9, to reserve a spot in the Champ of Champions finals, which were on August 10 at the Driekoppies Stadium, they suffered a 5-0 defeat at the feet of KaMhlushwa Real Madrid.
There was no cagey start to the encounter as both sides came into the game intent on lifting the cup, however, Real Madrid enjoyed most of the ball possession during the opening five minutes.
They were also forced to make an early substitution when striker, Mlungisi Nkosi, was taken down in the middle of the park.
At the 10 minute mark, Real Madrid had already been awarded three free kicks outside Royal Cubs’ box, producing some early excellent savings out of the last line of defence, Thabo Shabangu.
Royal Cubs almost grabbed the lead and placed one hand on the cup when they were awarded a penalty at the 18 minute mark, only for Real Madrid goalkeeper, Mbhuleni Shongwe, to deny them early lead.
Four minutes after the penalty, Mlungisi Nkosi, connected to the end of a poorly cleared shot at goal by Msizi Zungu from outside Royal Cubs’ box, it fell kindly at Nkosi’s feet for he easily placed it into Royal Cubs net to opening the scoring for the day.
Real Madrid continued to ask questions of Royal Cubs’ defense into the 30 minutes mark.
They were almost rewarded when striker, Elias Nyarana, almost extended their lead moments after at 35 minutes.
Three minutes afterwards Nkosi waltzed past defenders, drew Shabangu out of his goalpost, committing him towards defending the attack, only for Nkosi to chip it over him and secure his brace for the day.
Teams went into the half-time interval with Royal Cubs railing 2-0, and in desperate need of a goal if they were keen on lifting the cup. When the second stanza got underway, Royal Cubs were much organised, and started the match of on a comprehensive tone.
Attacking and forcing Madrid to do most of the defending in the opening minutes of the second half, however, Nkosi quickly changed that when he found his third of the day.
Real Madird’s 75 minutes substitute, Lucky Nkosi, came onto the pitch and extended the three-goal lead, when he headed a cross into Royal Cubs’ net to provide Real Madrid with its forth goal of the day.
Despite a discouraging scoreline they kept creating opportunities and registering shots on target.
Five minutes before the 90-minute mark, Sicelo Mahlobo, put the final nail in Royal Cubs’ coffin when he capitalised on goalkeeper Shabangu’s mistake of not clearing his line, dispossessing him and firing away to find his teams fifth and final goal.
The winners of the Champ of Champions, walked away with R80 000, first place runner-ups, Mlambo Royal Cubs R40 000, second place runner-ups, Mthatha Peace Maker pocketed R20 00, and third place runners-up, Driekoppies Barcelona bagged R10 000.
