Times Of Swaziland: SANDILE’S GOAL ENDS SIHLANGU’S 17-MONTH LOSING STREAK

SANDILE’S GOAL ENDS SIHLANGU’S 17-MONTH LOSING STREAK
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BY BHEKISISA MAGONGO on 08/03/2014 02:28:00


MASERU – Sihlangu finally ended its 17-month losing streak with 1-0 win over
Lesotho in Maseru last night. Malanti Chiefs striker Sandile Hlatshwako in his
first match in the colours of the senior national team colours, scored a minute
before fulltime to seal an unforgettable victory for coach Harris Madze Bulunga
in his first match in charge since being confirmed as full-time coach.
Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze provided the assist from a well taken corner kick which
the lanky forward headed home at eight yards leaving the over 500 home fans
disappointed.
It was a credible win for Sihlangu who last tasted victory at the same venue in
October 2012 when Mthunzi Mkhontfo and Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo scored in a 2-1
victory during the coaching tenure of Belgian mentor Valere Billen.
Since then the team had failed to win in about seven official games, in the
process losing 0-10 to Egypt in May last year.
However, they were far from losing yesterday as they seized control of the match
from the first minute. The Sothos who unleashed a youthful squad made largely of
members of the COSAFA Under-20 squad tried to take the game to their visitors,
but Sihlangu stood resolute. Goalkeeper Nhlanhla made a brave save a minute
before the recess, denying the troublesome Tsepo Lekhoana from close range. The
forward also missed at 13 yards three minutes from the recess after having came
face to face with Gwebu, but shot over the bar.
Madze made three changes in the last half taking off Mxolisi Lukhele for the
goal scorer, Njabulo Ndlovu for Bheki ‘Djemba’ Dlamini and Barry Steenkamp
for Muntu Mamba.
With the match set to end in a barren draw, Sandile struck at the death from
Tony’s corner kick for a memorable victory. The two teams meet again tomorrow,
in the last of the two friendly matches.