SIHLANGU RECORD CRUCIAL VICTORY

DURBAN – Crucial win.

The national team Sihlangu eventually broke the almost one year goal drought and winless run at the expense of Namibia in the 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup match played yesterday. This was a much-needed win after a disappointing start against Botswana, who leaked the locals 1-0 in the group A opening match on Wednesday afternoon. The first half comeback win over Namibia’s Brave Warriors as the latter’s national team is nicknamed, saw them move from the basement to third in the group. Sihlangu are now off to face new leaders in hosts and final rivals South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the closing group match, which will come as yet another deciding factor for Eswatini. Here only the topping team gets through to the semi-finals. There are three groups and the fourth team will come from any of the three as best runner-up.

This essentially means the final group matches next week will be fireworks as all four teams have points in hand with leaders South Africa on four points following their 2-1 over Botwana in an earlier clash. Eswatini have three points on third, while Botswana dropped from the summit to second with three points, then Namibia at the basement with only a point.
Back to the game, Sihlangu Head Coach Dominic Kunene made five changes from the squad which lost 0-1 to Botswana.  He dropped Skipper Lindo Mkhonta, defender Sihlangu Mkhwanazi, Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba, Sibongakonkhe Silenge and the injured Sabelo  ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.  He started with the likes of Philani ‘Mkasabuli ‘ Mkhontfo who missed first match, Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Msibi, Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Mamba and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini.

Eswatini started the game on a high note as they attacked from all cylinders. They approached the game with one thing in mind, scoring goals. However, it was not the case as the Brave Warriors of Namibia broke the deadlock against the run of play through Absalom Limbondi four minutes after the half-hour mark. They were awarded a set piece outside the box and Limbondi pulled the trigger and the ball rested in the far corner, leaving Ncamiso ‘Mbonyo’ Dlamini sprawled on the turf.

Maestro

It was Royal Leopard midfield maestro Sifiso ‘Ayoba’ Matse, who equalised for Eswatini five minutes before half-time as the over 50 local supporters made their way into the stands. Matse unleashed a rocket shot from outside the box which gave Namibia goalkeeper no chance between the sticks. Young Buffaloes enterprising winger and Man of the Match Bongwa ‘Owa’ Matsebula added the second one for Eswatini at the stroke of half-time. The Dominic Kunene-led side was dealt a blow when first choice goalie Mbhonyo was stretchered off the field after sustaining an injury. Kunene was forced to bring in Mbabane Swallows goal custodian Sandanezwe Mathabela. The second half was almost a replica of the first stanza as both teams pushed each other hand in search for more goals. Their efforts were futile as this half saw no goal being scored until Angolan Referee Paulo Sergio blew his final whistle to give Eswatini the first three points and two goals of the tournament. The result also meant the fourth success for Eswatini over Namibia while it is also a revenge to the 1-0 COSAFA Cup group defeat in 2017. The next match for Sihlangu is next Tuesday at 6pm inside the Princess Magogo Stadium. This will be the deciding day of the group.

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