Times Of Swaziland: COACH-LESS SIHLANGU STRETCH UNBEATEN RUN

COACH-LESS SIHLANGU STRETCH UNBEATEN RUN
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Sanele Jele on 16/11/2024 07:02:00


MBABANE – Eswatini’s good run in all competitions continues.
Sihlangu secured a commendable 1-all draw against Guinea-Bissau at Mbombela
Stadium last night, during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This
follows a recent victory, where Sihlangu triumphed 1-0 over Zimbabwe in the
African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers on November 2. Prior to that,
they achieved a convincing 3-0 win against the same opponents in Botswana on
October 27, effectively eliminating the Warriors from the CHAN qualifiers and
advancing to the next round.
Sihlangu took the lead through a penalty converted by Philani Mkhonto just 10
minutes before full time, while Guinea-Bissau’s Carlos Mane, a striker for
Kayserispor, netted three minutes from the final whistle. Although the result
salvaged some pride for Eswatini—having lost 1-0 in the first leg against the
same opponents—they remain at the bottom of the table with just two points
from five matches. Conversely, the Djurtus, as Guinea-Bissau are affectionately
known, sit third with five points, significantly diminishing their chances of
qualifying for the AFCON finals scheduled for Morocco from December 21, 2025, to
January 18, 2026.
They must secure a victory by at least 4-0 against Mozambique, whom they
previously lost 2-1 in the first leg. This crucial match will take place on
Tuesday, coinciding with Sihlangu’s final game against Mali. Coach Sifiso
‘Nuro’ Ntibane, who has stepped in, in the absence of Zdravko Logarusic –
who is reportedly AWOL – emphasised that despite the match being a dead
rubber, pride and FIFA ranking improvements were at stake. The Croatian coach
had previously impressed by leading the team to a 4-0 aggregate victory over
Zimbabwe in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and secured Eswatini’s
first point in the AFCON with a 1-all draw against Mozambique on October 11.