SANDANEZWE WINS BRONZE, E150 000 FOR SIHLANGU

MBABANE – Goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was the hero yesterday as he handed the national team, Sihlangu, the third finish in the COSAFA Cup at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Mbabane Swallows stopper saved a penalty and scored the winner in the 4-2 win after having played a 1-all draw against Mozambique in the third playoff of the regional tournament. This is Sihlangu’s second bronze medal in the history of the COSAFA Cup, having achieved same in 2016 while it was under the guidance of now Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga. Sihlangu defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the third play courtesy of a goal by Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa. The Dominic Kunene-led side brought home the bronze medal and the E150 000 third prize money while Mozambique got E100 000 for finishing fourth. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) had spent E270 000 as participation fee that was introduced this year and they fell shot of E100 000 to recover that amount.

Mathabela having been withdrawn for the penalties against Senegal on Friday in preference for Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini, rose to the occasion and he brought a smile to the nation as he was embraced by the whole team after the heroic performance.
Sihlangu players struggled to score from the spot kick against Senegal on Friday with the trio of Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and Siboniso Mamba failing to convert. It was a different story for the local lads as the quartet of Phiwa ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini, Captain Lindo Mkhontfo, Sihlangu Mkhwanazi and goalie Sandanezwe Mathebela made no mistake from the spot kick as they all scored their penalties.

Mozambique scored their first two penalties before hitting the post and one saved by Mathabela before he came back to score the winner. Sihlangu‘s dream of playing in the finals were shattered on Friday when they threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 5-2 after penalties. Sihlangu were favourites for a victory yesterday as they had defeated Zambia, Lesotho and played a draw against Botswana in Group A to reach the semi-finals, while Mozambique finished with seven points having won against Namibia, Malawi and drew against Zimbabwe. Coach Dominic Kunene made three changes from the team that started against Senegal; he brought in Justice Figuareido, Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Lindo Mkhonta and Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze for Khethokuhle Mkhontfo, Mlamuli Msibi, Felix Badenhorst and Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba.

failed

While Sihlangu failed to control the match, they were a threat in the first half as they created more scoring chances, but failed to capitalise. Justice Figuareido missed the target by inches in 10 minutes from the start. The TS Galaxy player was giving the Mozambican defenders tough times as he was delivering dangerous crosses. Mozambique goalkeeper Victor Guambe was forced to make a save from Sabelo ‘Sikhali Ndzinisa in the half hour mark.

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