DJIBOUTI SHOCK SIHLANGU

Djibouti…............................(1) 2
M. Mahabeh 45 + 4 (pen), H. Idleh 74th (pen)
Sihlangu…..........................(0) 1
Siboniso 56th

MBABANE – It was not a dream start for the national team, Sihlangu in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers as they were defeated 2-1 by lowly ranked Djibouti yesterday, away.

Two penalties awarded to the hosts were enough to seal the important victory while Sihlangu’s consolation goal came via defender Siboniso Mamba. However, all is not over for the Kostadin Papic-led side as they have the second leg match to be played next Tuesday at Mavuso Sports Centre. The winner between the two sides will qualify for the Group stages for the first time.

Sihlangu lost to the team that they thrashed 6-0 in October 2015 in the same stadium during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and came back to win 2-1 at home with an aggregate score of 8-1. This was Serbian coach Papic’s sixth defeat since he took over in January with no win, but seven draws in the 13 games he has been in charge. Djibouti turned the tables yesterday after their coach from France, Julien Matte had boldly declared that it had been a mistake for Djibouti to lose to Eswatini with the 6-0 scoreline.

succeeded

He said he wanted to rectify that mistake ahead of yesterday’s match and he succeeded. Djibouti took the lead in first half stoppage time through a penalty scored by Mahabeh after the referee ordered a re-take with Sihlangu keeper Sandanezwe Mathabela having made a save. Mahabeh did not make a mistake as he buried the ball in the back of the net, beating Mathabela. It went for the breather with the hosts enjoying the 1-0 lead.

Sihlangu came back more stronger in the second half and created some chances. Sihlangu was awarded a corner kick 10 minutes into the first half and Young Buffaloes defender Siboniso Mamba buried the ball in the back of the net with a rocket shot after the hosts failed to clear their lines.

stretchered

Sihlangu were forced to make changes as captain Felix Badenhorst was stretchered off the field in what looked like a serious injury and Menzi Sithole came in.
Djibouti enjoyed much ball possession with 20 minutes remaining and they were awarded a second penalty after a foul by Lindo Mkhonta in the 18-area.

Goalkeeper Mathabela saved the penalty and the follow-up but Sihlangu defenders were nowhere to clear the ball and Idleh finished off with a brilliant ground shot that easily beat Mathabela between the goal posts for the 2-1 victory.
The second leg tie will be played on Tuesday at Mavuso Sports Centre at 3pm.

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