Times Of Swaziland: CHANGE OF 4-TUNE  FOR SIHLANGU

CHANGE OF 4-TUNE  FOR SIHLANGU
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Sanele Jele on 03/11/2024 08:03:00


NELSPRUIT – Four-tune!
This phrase impeccably encapsulates Sihlangu’s resounding victory over
Zimbabwe in the TotalEnergies African Nations Champions (CHAN) qualifiers,
culminating in an impressive 4-0 aggregate scoreline. Eswatini triumphed 3-0 in
the first leg, staged last Sunday in Botswana, before sealing the double with a
1-0 victory at Mbombela Stadium yesterday. Junior Magagula emerged as the
standout performer, dazzling in both fixtures with a brace in the first leg and
scoring the decisive goal in the second leg. This monumental victory propels
Eswatini into the second preliminary round of the CHAN tournament, where they
are set to face Madagascar at home during the week of December 20-22, followed
by a visit to the island nation a week later.
For Eswatini, this victory signifies more than just a hard-won double; it marks
the first defeat of the Warriors since 2010, setting the stage for a historic
opportunity to qualify for the CHAN finals, scheduled for February 1-28, 2025 in
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, contingent on their success against Madagascar. In
the match, the team, expertly guided by Zdravko Logarusic, displayed
superiority, crafting at least four gilt-edged opportunities.
Early in the contest, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa squandered a chance to give
Eswatini the lead, his feeble shot easily saved by Zimbabwean goalkeeper Martin
Mapisa, who was reinstated for this encounter. Bongwa Matsebula also failed to
convert a promising opportunity in the quarter-hour, his header narrowly missing
the target. Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini came close again, but his inadequate
shot was parried by Mapisa midway through the first-half.
The second half saw Sihlangu make critical substitutions; Junior Magagula
replaced the underwhelming Philani Mkhonto and Mthokozisi Gwebu was withdrawn
for Njabulo Thwala. These changes yielded immediate dividends, as Magagula
seized a loose ball in midfield, surged forward and unleashed a spectacular
40-yard volley that beat goalkeeper Mapisa, who could only fumble it into the
net. This moment ignited jubilation among the Sihlangu players and their
technical bench. Despite Zimbabwe’s attempts to equalise, the resolute
defensive line led by Sibongakonkhe Silenge held firm. The Takesure
Chirangwi-coached side found themselves continually thwarted in the final third,
their offensive efforts ultimately fruitless.