July 26 2015

Jordon Mutch went close to scoring with an early strike

Crystal Palace lost 2-0 to Sporting Lisbon in the Cape Town Cup final.

The Portuguese side proved much sterner opposition than SuperSport United on Friday as they wrapped up victory in a tepid match.

It was the Eagles who started the brighter as Jordon Mutch's second-minute rasping shot had Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio dive low to his right to turn around the post.

Opposite number Alex McCarthy, who was making his Palace debut since joining from QPR this week, had to be alert to push Jefferson's free-kick over the bar.

Dwight Gayle had a a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down but the game was goalless at the interval.

The Lions went ahead on 71 minutes when substitute Fredy Montero fired in a free-kick that went in off McCarthy and the left post.

James McArthur almost levelled for Palace but his powerful strike was turned over by Portugal international stopper Patricio. The goalkeeper then made another decent block, this time from Scott Dann's header.

Four minutes from time, Lisbon added another goal after Joel Ward slipped and let Islam Slimani through on goal and he fed Montero to lash home.

"I was pleased with everything but the result," boss Alan Pardew said. "It was a good test for the players and played at a high level.

"I would say it was the same level as a Europa League game and having that opportunity before the start of the season means I'm delighted in terms of our preparation."

Palace: McCarthy, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare, McArthur, Cabaye (Bamford 76) Gayle, Mutch (Jedinak 62), Puncheon (Zaha 76), Murray (Lee 69).

Not used: Hennessey, Kelly, Hangeland, Scales, Kaikai.