By Chris O'Brien
July 25 2006

United's South Africa tour ended on a low note as they lost the Vodacom Challenge Cup final on penalties to the Kaizer Chiefs. The Red Devils lacked firepower in front of goal as they were forced to settle for a goalless draw, and the Chiefs went onto show greater composure from the penalty-spot.

Manchester United's tour of South Africa ended in disappointing fashion as the Red Devils were beaten on penalty-kicks by the Kaizer Chiefs.

The two teams battled out something of a dour goalless draw as the Red Devils ran out of steam on the final leg of the three-match tour. The tourists missed numerous chances and then paid the penalty as goalkeeper Ben Foster and Chris Eagles both missed from twelve yards to hand the Chiefs a surprise win to the delight of the South African supporters.

Sir Alex Ferguson made four chances from the team that edged out the Chiefs on Tuesday night, with Dong Fangzhou earning a starting berth following his impressive display as substitute. Luke Steele, Phil Bardsley and Jonny Evans were also all added to the starting XI as the squad started to show signs of fatigue following a hectic week, which even included a visit to Nelson Mandela.

United started stronger and went close through Kieran Richardson and Dong, though Shaun Bartlett kept Steele alert at the other end as he proved his potential with a string of impressive saves.

As the half wore on, Dong proved a constant threat but was not rewarded for his effort. Fletcher and Bardsley both proved the Chinese striker with chances, before he sent a neat half-volley wide of the post moments before the interval. His frustration summed up the opening 45 minutes for United as the Chiefs backline proved difficult o break down yet again.

The Chiefs gained in confidence as the second-half got underway and Steele did brilliantly well to deny Schalkywk an opener. At the other end, Dong, Giggs and Richardson went close but there was to be no way through for either side.

So, the game went straight to penalty-kicks and United got off to the worst start as substitute goalkeeper Ben Foster, a surprise first taker, saw his effort smash against the crossbar. The dangerous Shaun Bartlett took advantage for the Chiefs, with David Jones, Mooki and Patrice Evra all doing the business from the penalty spot to make it two each.

South African international McCarthy missed a crucial penalty to give United hope and Kieran Richardson put the Reds back up as he held his nerve. Chiefs then levelled up in controversial circumstances as Motaung fired home - though the player had already been substituted and therefore should not have been eligible to restore parity.

The crucial miss was United's fifth and final penalty as Chris Eagles was denied by Fernandez. The Chiefs 'keeper then got up and converted the winning penalty to send the Africans into ecstasy. For United, the outcome is dissappointing but the tour will be looked upon as a success with many of United starlets proving their potential as quality players.

Full Time - Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Manchester United
(Kaizer Chiefs win 4-3 on penalties)

Kaizer Chiefs Fernandez, McCarthy, Mayo, Obua (Nengomasha 46), Nzama, Spencer, Mototo (Mooki 46), Nkosi (Zwane 46), Schalkwyk, Bartlett, Motaung Jr.
Substitutes Not Used: Wuest, Tau, Mkhonza, Mathebula, Ngobese, Djiehoua, Radebe, Agyemang, Sibeko.

Manchester United: Steele (Foster, 77), Bardsley, J Evans, Brown, Evra, Fletcher (Miller, 77), Scholes, Giggs, Richardson, Rossi (D Jones, 59), Dong (Eagles, 77).
Substitutes Not Used: Simpson, O'Shea, Gibson, Solskjaer.

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Victory for the Kaizer Chiefs secures their fourth Vodacom Challenge crown in the tournament's eight-year history. The tournament is usually a four-team affair, with two semi-finals, a third place play-off and a grand final, but the magnitude of Manchester United's arrival in South Africa prompted officials to change the tournament format to assure supporters had better opportunities to see the Red Devils in action. Commercialisation at its best - sigh.

Previous Winners:

2005 - Orlando Pirates
2004 - AS Vita Club
2003 - Kaizer Chiefs
2002 - St Eloi Lupopo
2001 - Kaizer Chiefs
2000 - Kaizer Chiefs
1999 - Orlando Pirates