Times Of Swaziland: SANDANEZWE  WINS BRONZE,  E150 000  FOR SIHLANGU

SANDANEZWE  WINS BRONZE,  E150 000  FOR SIHLANGU
================================================================================
BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO on 19/07/2021 08:33:00


MBABANE – Goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was the hero yesterday as he handed
the national team, Sihlangu, the third finish in the COSAFA Cup at Nelson
Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Mbabane Swallows stopper saved a penalty and scored the winner in the 4-2
win after having played a 1-all draw against Mozambique in the third playoff of
the regional tournament. This is Sihlangu’s second bronze medal in the history
of the COSAFA Cup, having achieved same in 2016 while it was under the guidance
of now Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’
Bulunga. Sihlangu defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the third play courtesy of a goal by
Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa. The Dominic Kunene-led side brought home the
bronze medal and the E150 000 third prize money while Mozambique got E100 000
for finishing fourth. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) had spent E270 000
as participation fee that was introduced this year and they fell shot of E100
000 to recover that amount.
Mathabela having been withdrawn for the penalties against Senegal on Friday in
preference for Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini, rose to the occasion and he
brought a smile to the nation as he was embraced by the whole team after the
heroic performance.
Sihlangu players struggled to score from the spot kick against Senegal on Friday
with the trio of Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa
and Siboniso Mamba failing to convert. It was a different story for the local
lads as the quartet of Phiwa ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini, Captain Lindo Mkhontfo,
Sihlangu Mkhwanazi and goalie Sandanezwe Mathebela made no mistake from the spot
kick as they all scored their penalties.
Mozambique scored their first two penalties before hitting the post and one
saved by Mathabela before he came back to score the winner. Sihlangu‘s dream
of playing in the finals were shattered on Friday when they threw away a 2-0
lead to lose 5-2 after penalties. Sihlangu were favourites for a victory
yesterday as they had defeated Zambia, Lesotho and played a draw against
Botswana in Group A to reach the semi-finals, while Mozambique finished with
seven points having won against Namibia, Malawi and drew against Zimbabwe. Coach
Dominic Kunene made three changes from the team that started against Senegal; he
brought in Justice Figuareido, Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Lindo Mkhonta and
Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze for Khethokuhle Mkhontfo, Mlamuli Msibi, Felix
Badenhorst and Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba.
failed
While Sihlangu failed to control the match, they were a threat in the first half
as they created more scoring chances, but failed to capitalise. Justice
Figuareido missed the target by inches in 10 minutes from the start. The TS
Galaxy player was giving the Mozambican defenders tough times as he was
delivering dangerous crosses. Mozambique goalkeeper Victor Guambe was forced to
make a save from Sabelo ‘Sikhali Ndzinisa in the half hour mark.