Times Of Swaziland: SIHLANGU PERFORMANCE HAILED BY COACH

SIHLANGU PERFORMANCE HAILED BY COACH
================================================================================
Sanele Jele on 12/09/2024 09:28:00


NELSPRUIT - Sihlangu Coach Zdravko Logarusic described his team’s performance
as having gifted their opponents a ‘manna from heaven’ following their
narrow defeat.
His comments came in a post-match interview after Eswatini fell 1-0 to Mali in
the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit,
two days ago. The only goal of the match came in the seventh minute when Gift
Gamedze’s ill-judged back pass was intercepted by Mamadou Doumbia, who then
supplied a low assist to Yves Bissouma. The  English Premier League side,
Tottenham Hotspur, midfielder fired a powerful volley from the edge of the box,
beating Sandanezwe Mathabela with ease. “You know, I have been here barely a
few days, but I can see some positives within the team. However, I feel we
handed them a ‘manna from Heaven’ with that goal was incredibly naive. It
was an individual error, but we learn every day. I instructed them to play
safely, yet we conceded in the same manner as we did against Guinea Bissau,
where we also lost 1-0,” remarked the Croatian coach.
provided
Manna, according to the Bible, is an edible substance which God provided for the
Israelites during their travels in the desert during the 40-year period
following the Exodus and prior to the conquest of Canaan. Logarusic acknowledged
his players’ efforts, particularly given that they were competing against one
of Africa’s top national teams, which boasts a plethora of players based in
Europe. Meanwhile, Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet expressed satisfaction with his
side’s victory. “In the first half, we were in complete control, which
culminated in the goal. I believe we should have scored two or three more during
that period, but we squandered our chances,” he said.